Toyota and Kids In Need Foundation Celebrate Five Years of Providing Essential School Supplies

Toyota's Commitment to Education: A Five-Year Journey

For the past five years, Toyota dealerships have joined forces with the Kids In Need Foundation (KINF) to create a lasting impact on education through the Big Summer Giveback initiative. This partnership has proven to be more than just a charitable effort; it has evolved into a community-driven movement dedicated to ensuring that students in underserved communities begin the school year equipped with the necessary tools for learning.

Expanding Access to Education

Through KINF's Supply A Student program, over 680 Toyota dealerships across the United States are addressing the critical need for school supplies among under-resourced students. This initiative highlights how something as simple as a filled backpack can profoundly affect a student's confidence and sense of belonging. For many children, these resources represent not just educational tools but opportunities to participate fully in their learning environments.

This year's initiative is especially poignant, as participating dealerships are stepping up with significant contributions. More than 65 dealerships are each donating $10,000 while organizing local events for distributing backpacks filled with supplies. The participation of both seasoned and new dealerships confirms the growing commitment to support education in their local communities.

Over the course of this partnership, Toyota has collectively generated over $8.5 million in donations, positively impacting more than 300,000 students in the nation's public schools. For 2026, the program is set to reach new heights, with an anticipated distribution of school supplies to over 100,000 students—making this the largest year for the initiative yet.

Breaking Barriers to Learning

KINF's Supply A Student program specifically targets schools where 70% or more of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. This focus allows the program to remove barriers that prevent many children from having the resources needed to learn effectively. CEO Corey Gordon emphasizes that educational opportunities begin with access. Through this partnership, Toyota plays an essential role in lessening the burden faced by families and teachers, enabling students to show up ready and prepared to learn.

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Big Summer Giveback, Toyota is more committed than ever to nurturing this partnership with KINF. Mark Nazario, Vice President of Integrated Customer Experience at Toyota Motor North America, stated that this year marks their most impactful collaboration yet, reflecting record dealer participation and contributions.

Ongoing Contributions and Community Support

In addition to the ongoing financial support provided by dealerships, Toyota is encouraging customer involvement. From August 1-31, 2026, for every eligible oil change combined with a tire rotation purchased at participating Toyota Service Centers, the company will donate $3.00 to KINF. Customers can also make online donations directly to support the ongoing efforts to provide students with essential supplies.

This empowerment of local dealerships and community engagement underscores Toyota's commitment to not only automotive excellence but also to educational equality. As they move forward, the company aims to deepen its impact while expanding the scope of its initiatives both locally and nationally.

A Bright Future for Students

The collaboration between Toyota and KINF serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary difference that community support can make. By working together, investors, educators, and families can provide essential resources that fundamentally change the educational landscape for countless students across the country. The momentum gained over the last five years continues to build, creating new pathways of support and opportunity for future generations of learners.

To learn more about how you can support this vital initiative, visit Kids In Need Foundation and join the movement toward educational equity.