ACP will be given a new Toyota Sienna to help deliver donated supplies and essentials to children of homeless families and to transport them to much-needed afterschool activities. Blessed Assurance will receive a new Toyota Sienna Mobility Rampvan to help take senior and disabled adults to community events and specialized programs as well as supplement their existing transportation.
The dealership, located at 13000 East Independence Boulevard in Charlotte, N.C. will host the presentation of keys, which is open to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.
"We are incredibly grateful to Toyota and all the supporters who voted for us on Facebook," said Annabelle Suddreth, ACP executive director. "It is still hard for us to believe that we won a Sienna minivan. Ninety percent of our homeless families are without a car, and this new minivan will enable us to provide them with transportation to buy clothing, school supplies and get to their healthcare appointments. The really cool part is that we'll also be able to take the children on fun and educational field trips. We simply can't thank Toyota enough."
In June 2012, Charlotte-Mecklenburg reported 4,922 homeless students enrolled in the county's public schools. Homelessness for children isn't just about where they lay their heads at night but where their heads are during the day while trying to focus on their studies. Founded in 1989, ACP works to eliminate the impact of homelessness on children and their education, reaching 2,228 students during the 2011/2012 school year. The nonprofit helps these underprivileged children have as normal a school experience as possible when life outside the classroom is strained, effecting attendance and progress.
"It is nearly impossible to imagine something more heartbreaking than a homeless child," said Chris Cady, general manager of Scott Clark Toyota. "The work A Child's Place accomplishes provides support and services that meet a critical need in this area. It is our sincere wish that the new Toyota Sienna helps the nonprofit in an immeasurable way."
Blessed Assurance was established through a compelling desire to provide its community's mentally and physically challenged adults with an alternative to long-term institutionalization. Directed by founders Nate and Vivian Huggins, Blessed Assurance provides participants structured faith-based and educational programs and services designed to promote their personal independence, social awareness and well-being. Reaching four counties, the nonprofit empowers caregivers to retain or pursue employment, provides a safe haven to special needs adults and comprehensively addresses hunger and healthcare needs within the population it serves.
"Thanks to God and the many people who voted for us who know the challenges we experience trying to provide transportation to our disabled veterans, seniors and special needs adults," Huggins said. "This minivan will have a direct and positive impact on our participants, their families and our community in many ways. We are very grateful to Toyota for being there when we needed them most. Our new Sienna is the vessel by which we can address the problems our senior and disabled adults face daily."
"Nate Huggins and his extraordinary team are doing remarkable work to improve and enrich the lives of local seniors and handicapped individuals," Cady said. "We trust the special purpose mobility van will make it easier to deliver the vital care and attention that the Blessed Assurance recipients need."
Scott Clark Toyota has been an active member of the community since 1972. The dealership has partnerships with charitable organizations including the Siskey Family YMCA, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Zenith Gymnastics Booster Club and other neighborhood athletic programs.
"At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits in their work," said Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "All 100 of the winners of the 100 Cars for Good program are providing extraordinary and much-needed services, and we thank Scott Clark Toyota for its role in delivering both organizations' vehicles to help them with their important work."
The selection process began May 14, 2012 by profiling five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com. Individual members of the public were able to vote for the nonprofit they believe can do the most good with a new vehicle. The charity with the most votes at the end of each day became the winner of one of six Toyota models. Additionally, each runner-up will receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.
A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services. To learn more about the100 Cars for Good program, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.
Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed over half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S.
