Summer in the City Presented by Toyota
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit Launches Summer in the City Campaign
Nonprofit sets $1.3 million goal, led by matching $250,000 donation
from Toyota Motor North America to fund Detroit’s east side corps community center
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (July 26, 2021) — The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit announced today the start of its second consecutive Summer in the City fundraising campaign presented by Toyota. The $1.3 million fundraiser, which runs Monday, July 26 through Wednesday, Sept. 22, focuses on expansion of the Detroit Conner Creek Corps Community Center, located at 3000 Conner St. on Detroit’s east side. Proceeds from the Summer in the City fundraiser, which is the public phase of Conner Creek’s $4.3 million capital campaign, go toward the following initiatives:
- Construction of new classrooms to support additional educational opportunities, computer classes, mentoring and tutoring services;
- Expansion of Conner Creek’s existing senior, student and youth programs, such as general health, living and financial coaching services – as well as children’s after-school programs and summer day camps;
- Construction of a gymnasium to provide additional and year-round exercise and recreational programs, and;
- Renovation and expansion of the current food pantry.
The nine-week fundraiser is supported by a $250,000 matching donation from Toyota, an organization with close ties to The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. The corporation has been supporting The Salvation Army for ten consecutive years with its Walk in My Boots Program – an annual community outreach project where Toyota donates winter boots and socks to those in need.
“Toyota is honored to sponsor this year’s Summer In the City campaign for the second year,” said Alva Adams Mason, group manager, Multicultural Business Alliance & Strategy and Dealer Relations for Toyota Motor North America; campaign chairperson for Summer in the City; and member of The Salvation Army National Advisory Board. “Many people know Toyota as a car company, but we’re so much more than that. We are passionate about serving in the communities where we live and work. With so many people in need due to the recent pandemic crises, Conner Creek serves as a haven for kids and adults alike. It is a major reason why Toyota continues to do whatever we can to ensure Detroiters are getting the assistance they need – especially at a place such as Conner Creek, which is a longtime staple in the community.”
Conner Creek is one of three Salvation Army corps community centers located within the city of Detroit – and is the only one on the city’s east side.
“The Conner Creek Corps Community Center plays a major role in a lot of people’s lives on Detroit’s east side,” said Lt. Henry Boateng, The Salvation Army Conner Creek corps officer. “However, our current program space will not be sufficient for much longer. We need the help of Salvation Army supporters through this expansion so we can continue to improve the quality of life for east side residents and allow Conner Creek to truly become a special gathering place for the community.”
Salvation Army supporters can make a $25 sustaining donation to fund the construction and ongoing activities and critical, life-improving services to children, seniors and families in need at Conner Creek, by:
- Texting SUMMER to 24365
- Visiting salmich.org/summerinthecity and clicking DONATE
- Calling 877-SAL-MICH
- Sending a check made payable to The Salvation Army, to: 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075
“The Conner Creek Corps Community Center offers a place of respite, refuge, peace and prayer for the entire community,” added Lt. Colonel John Turner, divisional commander and regional chief executive officer for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “Of the neighborhoods that Conner Creek serves, 70 percent of family households are headed by single mothers, nearly 43 percent of residents live at the poverty level and 34 percent of all properties are either blighted or vacant. The expansion of the Conner Creek Corps Community Center will help address each of the above concerns, plus many more. And Summer in the City Presented by Toyota will bring overall awareness and support to Conner Creek’s presence and contribution in Detroit.”
Groundbreaking is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2021.
For more information about the 2021 Summer in the City Campaign, please visit salmich.org/summerinthecity.
About The Salvation Army
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,446,588 meals and 382,681 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.86 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at salmich.org.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.