150 Of Detroit’s Grandale Families Receive New Winter Boots, Socks from Toyota

Seeking to provide support in various Detroit neighborhoods in need, Toyota Motor North America stepped in for the 12^th consecutive year to aid a local community through its “Walk In My Boots” outreach project. 

On Jan. 14 families from The Salvation Army Detroit Grandale Corps Community Center’s west side neighborhood were given a hot meal from Jackson’s 5 Star Catering, plus a new pair of insulated winter boots and thick winter socks.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to imagine going without – like not having a pair of quality boots on a cold day,” said Major Bob Mueller, metro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit.  “This year’s ‘Walk in My Boots’ event hit close to home for me because I grew up in Detroit’s Grandale neighborhood and I know firsthand about the need in this community. Sturdy boots and warm socks are life-changing in frigid Michigan winters. Thankfully, 150 of our community members are better equipped to weather the storm, thanks to the generosity of our partners at Toyota Motor North America.”

Ray of Sunshine

Toyota has donated more than 2,200 pairs of boots and socks to local families and contributed over $160,000 to The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. Boots and socks have been given to families in need on Detroit’s east side at The Salvation Army Conner Creek Corps Community Center, downtown at TSA Booth Services Shelter, Head Start and Harbor Light facilities, and at the former TSA Denby Center for Children & Family Services on the northwest side. 

“Many people know Toyota as a car company, but we’re so much more than that,” said Bill Shelmon, executive project manager, R&D Advanced Product Planning Office, Toyota Motor North America.  “We are passionate about serving in the communities where we live and work. With so many people in need, due to the recent pandemic crisis and economic downturn, it’s a major reason why Toyota continues to do whatever we can to ensure Detroiters are getting the help they need.”

$15,000

The Salvation Army Detroit Grandale Corps Community Center provides outreach to the community through social services, such as helping families and individuals pay their utility bills when faced with a financial crisis, free produce and canned goods from the food pantry, and hosting a weekly women’s ministry and church services. Efforts are underway to expand services in the spring. Toyota also donated $15,000 to The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, enabling them to continue to support the communities they serve.