Toyota Motor North America, which operates its research and development facilities on Platt Road in Saline and Woodridge Avenue in Ann Arbor, has donated vehicles and funds to help local agencies help Washtenaw County's most vulnerable residents.
Saline Area Social Services, which provides a food pantry and other assistance to individuals and families in the Saline area, is one of several organizations to receive help. Toyota donated a Toyota Sienna to help SASS provide grocery pick-up and delivery for homebound seniors and to assist residents with transportation challenges. Toyota also provided a $5,000 grant.
The vehicle will be an important asset for Saline Area Social Service. Last month, the agency delivered nearly 900 meals to homebound residents - and that number continues to grow.
"With the help of our new Toyota vehicle and funds, we’ll be able to be more efficient in picking up larger quantities of food donations from local grocery stores to accommodate our growing client base and better serve homebound seniors and families in need of critical aid in our community," said Anne Cummings, Director of Saline Area Social Service. "All of us at SASS feel so fortunate for Toyota Research & Development’s partnership and we look forward to using our new vehicle to help us provide aid to those who are unable to travel to us to get the assistance that they need."
Toyota also provided vehicles and fund for SOS Community Services, Michigan Ability Partners and Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels.
“It has always been important to Toyota to give back in the communities where we live and work, and as we navigate the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, that commitment has never been clearer,” said Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president, Toyota Motor North America, Research and Development. “We hope that these Toyota Siennas, which were designed, developed and engineered right here in Washtenaw County, will allow these organizations to help our community achieve personal, social and economic mobility.”
To donate to or find out more about Saline Area Social Service, click here.
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