#USA #Toyota #Salvation Army #Alexandria #TL-MODA

Collaborative Efforts Supporting Students in Need

The back-to-school season often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for families across the United States. While students eagerly anticipate the start of another academic year, many families find themselves grappling with the financial challenges associated with purchasing essential school supplies. In an effort to alleviate this burden, Toyota, the Toyota Lexus Minority Owners Dealership Association (TL-MODA), and The Salvation Army have joined forces to distribute a substantial number of backpacks filled with necessary supplies. This initiative aims to support 16,900 students nationwide, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on their educational journeys.

A Collective Mission to Make a Difference

The collaborative program allows Toyota dealerships, TL-MODA members, and The Salvation Army to reach families in 71 communities throughout the country. It will see a distribution of backpacks in several phases:

• - 6,500 backpacks will be given to families who have pre-registered at TL-MODA dealerships in collaboration with The Salvation Army.
• - 5,000 backpacks will be distributed to clients who have pre-registered with The Salvation Army.
• - 5,000 backpacks will be offered at Toyota plant locations, targeting select local schools in need.
• - 400 additional backpacks will be distributed via TL-MODA dealerships in partnership with other local organizations.

This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership between national and local organizations to effect positive change in the lives of vulnerable families.

The Words of Commitment

Robert D. Hatchett, Jr., Executive Director at TL-MODA, highlighted the importance of community support by stating, "At TL-MODA, we believe in lifting up our communities, and that starts with our youth. We're honored to partner with The Salvation Army again this year to help students start school with confidence, dignity, and the support they deserve."

Walmart has also played a significant role in this initiative by assisting in procuring school supplies and hosting a large packing event at one of its fulfillment centers. This event saw collaboration between volunteers from Toyota, TL-MODA, The Salvation Army, and Walmart, who worked together to assemble thousands of backpacks. Each backpack is filled with age-appropriate supplies, such as pencils, notebooks, and folders, and often includes a $10 Walmart gift card, equipping students from elementary through high school for the school year ahead.

Jay Cordray, a senior vice president at Walmart, expressed the company's commitment to supporting local communities: "Walmart is committed to giving back to the local communities where we serve. We were honored to host volunteers from The Salvation Army, Toyota, and TL-MODA at our Fort Worth fulfillment center where Walmart associates joined them and helped fill thousands of school backpacks to help get the new school year off to a great start."

Beyond Numbers: The True Impact

While the numbers of backpacks distributed are impressive, the true success of this initiative lies in the emotional and psychological uplift it provides to families. For many students, receiving a backpack filled with supplies translates into a boost of confidence as they walk into the classroom prepared. Additionally, for parents, this initiative frees up essential resources that can be redirected towards food, housing, and other necessary expenses during the school year.

Since the partnership launched in 2020, Toyota has contributed over $2 million to programs aimed at assisting under-resourced communities, showcasing a dedication to fostering a more equitable society. By working together, these organizations are ensuring that thousands of students enter school equipped, empowered, and ready to thrive.

About the Organizations Involved

The Salvation Army serves millions of individuals each year, providing essential services that include food, shelter, and youth programs to help them overcome hardships. TL-MODA, representing minority dealers within Toyota and Lexus, champions the needs of minority dealership owners and focuses on their growth and involvement in community initiatives. With Toyota's long-standing commitment to social responsibility, the company has been a staple in the fabric of North America for nearly 70 years, pushing for advancements in sustainable mobility while fostering community support.

In conclusion, this collaborative effort between Toyota, TL-MODA, and The Salvation Army is a beacon of hope for many families, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that every student has the resources they need for educational success.