As part of the Toyota Sienna Ambassadorship program we were asked to use the Sienna to give back to the community in some way. The start of the year has been so hectic around here, and I have to admit that I haven’t done as much charitable giving as I should. I am so thankful that Toyota has given my family the opportunity to use the Toyota Sienna for good and help out in the community.
You may have heard me mention before that we live in a somewhat poor, rural area. The Family Connection and Communities in Schools organization in our county stays very busy providing the people in our county the necessities via a food bank, after school care, and various other programs. Throughout the year I make donations to the food bank, and help out with the annual holiday toy drive. But for this project I wanted to see if there was a specific need.
Wanda, the program director, asked if we could make a donation of toilet paper. Toilet paper and other paper products aren’t normally included along with the food they receive from Harvest Food Bank, and is something that people often request. I honestly wouldn’t have come up with the idea of a toilet paper donation on my own. I don’t know why, really. It’s something that we use on a daily basis. Can you imagine not having the money to buy such a basic necessity? It makes me emotional just thinking about it.
My daughter and I checked online for the best deal we could find on toilet paper and found ourselves at a local drug store. There wasn’t near the amount of toilet paper on the shelves that we would be needing. After telling the store clerk about our donation efforts, she went into the back of the store and pulled out everything they had for us. We easily found room in the back of the Sienna for all 28 packages of toilet paper. It could have easily fit 3 times that amount without even folding the back seats down. This van has so much storage space! I’ll have to do our spring cleaning donation before our time with the Sienna is up.
After picking my granddaughters up from school, we stopped by the food bank with the much appreciated donation. It was such a great experience. I try to lead by example, and was glad my granddaughters were there to participate in the good deed.
I am participating in a sponsored campaign with Toyota. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a great thing to donate! So often that is forgotten, but oh so needed!
It’s great that you’re helping the kids learn about giving back to the community!
This looks like such a nice vehicle!
Paper products are always high on the list of products needed at food banks and shelters. That is awesome that you could pack it all in your van! I love Toyota vans.
I want a toyotal sienna! Such an amazing car!
Giving back locally is so important. I always give to our local food bank in town because you never know when you may need their help someday.
good for you for giving back! and a great car like a toyota helps to lug all those goods!
We live in a pretty rural and poor area too. You never really know what the need may be at any given time so it was great that you asked! We have a local clearinghouse that gives out food and household products to families in need. I’ve donated there a few times and sometimes they’re overloaded on certain things and really have a need for something else. Toilet Paper is often a thing needed, because most people don’t think to donate it. It’s really awesome that you’re able to give back to your community!!
I LOVE the cargo space these vans have. I loved being able to use it to do good when we had ours.
What a great thing to do! I really need to do better with this.