Toyota Walk in My Boots Event Comes Just in Time
This winter in Chicago has been relatively mild with little less snowfall than expected… until this month. In February, our area was hit with nearly a foot of snow over a three day period, hitting a new record and putting homeless families in a bind when it comes to appropriate winter footwear.
Thankfully, Toyota hosted its annual Walk in My Boots event at The Salvation Army’s Evangeline Booth Lodge family shelter in mid-February, distributing nearly 200 pairs of boots and winter socks to families in need.
“I’m so thankful to Toyota and The Salvation Army,” said one father. “Getting these boots is just wonderful for our family.”
The event, hosted as a kick-off to the Chicago Auto Show week, also featured several speakers, a catered lunch, and presentation of a $15,000 check to support the services at Booth Lodge, a haven for families suddenly facing homelessness due to eviction, disaster (such as a fire or flood), loss of utilities, domestic violence, or other crises.
“These boots and socks are so important to our families,” said Pam Harrell, Manager at the Booth Lodge. “Our families will often receive coats, hats and gloves, but the feet are often overlooked. Many of our families can’t afford appropriate footwear.”
Toyota’s committed to helping our communities through a combination of hours volunteered, items and dollars donated, and knowledge shared. This is Toyota’s fifth year hosting the event in Chicago.
If you’d like support programs that serve Chicagoland’s homeless population, please visit BedAndBreadChicago.org to learn more.