Toyota Donates Winter Boots and Socks at The Salvation Army Temple Corps Neighborhood

Jan 16, 2024


*Curt McAllister, Toyota Motor North America, helps “Walk In My Boots” attendees try on their new boots

For the 13th year in a row, Toyota is making a difference for the people of Detroit though its “Walk In My Boots” community outreach program. This year the event took place at The Salvation Army Temple Corps Community Center on Detroit’s west side.

On Monday, January 15, Martin Luther King Day, 125 family members received much needed new insulated winter boots and socks to help shield them from the cold and snow.

With the winter snowstorm that fell upon Michigan and the below-zero temperatures this week, the boots and socks came just in time.  Winter can often be the hardest time of year for many low-income families.  With snow and freezing rain, nothing gets cold faster than wet feet. 

People can be at risk for severe hypothermia and the consequences can be fatal.  While some programs offer winter coat, hat and glove giveaways, a person’s feet are often left exposed as many families take the bus or walk in the harshest of cold weather. 

“This winter, the burden on many families has been lightened thanks to our ‘Walk in My Boots’ partner, Toyota Motor North America,” said Major Toni Dorrell, metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit.


*Envoy Artee Lewis, Detroit Temple Corps Officer and Curt McAllister, Toyota Motor North America, help “Walk In My Boots” attendees try on their new boots

It was a great afternoon as Toyota brought a ray of sunshine and warmth to the families.  One family member said,

“God is always right on time, and I am so grateful to Toyota for giving my family these boots. We had a major snowstorm.  And now, my kids don’t have to walk to school in the cold without boots.” 

With this project, in Detroit alone, Toyota has donated over 2,300 pairs of boots and socks to local families and contributed over $175,000 to The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. Sharing resources throughout the Detroit Metro area, boots and socks have been given to families at the following locations:

  • The Salvation Army Detroit Grandale Corps Community Center
  • The Salvation Army Conner Creek Corps Community Center
  • The Salvation Army Booth Services Shelter
  • Head Start and Harbor Light facilities,
  • Former Salvation Army Denby Center for Children & Family Services

The project has also been held in Chicago, Washington DC, Baltimore, Harrisburg, PA and Minneapolis, MN. “Many people know Toyota as a car company, but we’re so much more than that,” said Alva Adams Mason, group manager, Multicultural Business Alliance & Strategy, Toyota Motor North America.

“We believe an auto company can also be a vehicle for change. That’s why Toyota is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations in the dozens of communities where we operate.”


*Left to right: Envoy Artee Lewis, Detroit Temple Corps officer, Major Toni Dorrell, Salvation Army Metro Detroit Area Commander, Curt McAllister, Toyota Motor North America

Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division enabling them to continue to support the communities they serve.  A delicious hot luncheon was served to the families as well.

The Salvation Army Detroit Temple Corps Community Center provides outreach to the community through after school programs, social services such as helping families and individuals pay their utility bills when faced with financial crisis, free fresh produce and canned goods through the food pantry and weekly church services.

Adams Mason said, “What better day to bring this project to Detroit families then on the weekend celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”  Mentioning one of Dr. King’s quotes, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is … What are you doing for others?’”  She said, “Toyota is answering the call by supporting those in need and transforming lives…one step at a time.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.  Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

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 2,419,620 meals and 539,759 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.84 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. If you would like to donate to The Salvation Army, click here.


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