TM Toyota Motor Corporation

BRUNSWICK, Ga., Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- I-95 Toyota & Scion presented a Toyota Sienna to Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia (HSSCG) at the dealership today as part of the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving away 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. The program is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations are awarded.

To celebrate winning the donated vehicle, the HSSCG staff, supporters and adoptable dogs will attend the key presentation located at 1000 Millennium Boulevard in Brunswick, Ga.

The HSSCG plans to use the Sienna primarily to take dogs and cats to neighboring schools to educate children in pet responsibility as well as to collect pet food from local food banks. The van will also be used to transport animals to community events that encourage adoption and to families that foster homeless pets with special needs.

"We are so excited to be receiving a new vehicle from Toyota," said Virginia Schlegel, executive director, HSSCG. "The outpour of support we received from our community and visitors that voted for us on Facebook really helped spread our message. Now that we have reliable transportation, plans are already underway to bring our education program to the children in our area and beyond. We simply can't thank Toyota enough!" 

The HSSCG is no-kill adoption center that provides adoption services for animals in South Coastal Georgia and reduces the overpopulation of unwanted pets by spaying and neutering. The nonprofit has had a great impact on the community with the support of its participatory opportunities to include private donations, planned giving, corporate sponsors and philanthropic foundation.

"100 Cars for Good is an excellent program, and we are delighted to be a part of the initiative," said Travis Ostrom, owner, I-95 Toyota & Scion of Brunswick. "We have proudly been a member of the Brunswick area for nearly a decade, so we support and applaud the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia for the incredible work they do in our community."

I-95 Toyota & Scion has been actively involved in charitable causes since opening its doors in 2004. As corporate sponsors of the Humane Society's annual golf tournament, the dealership promoted the nonprofit during the 100 Cars for Good campaign, encouraging the community to vote for the Humane Society. To further help the organization, I-95 Toyota also plans to fill the Sienna with pet food and essential supplies.  

"At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits in their work," noted Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "All 100 of the winners of the 100 Cars for Good program are providing extraordinary and much-needed services, and we thank I-95 Toyota & Scion for their role in delivering Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia's car to them to help with their important work."

The selection process began May 14, 2012 by profiling five finalists at www.100carsforgood.com. Individual members of the public were able to vote for the nonprofit they believe can do the most good with a new vehicle. The charity with the most votes at the end of each day became the winner of one of six Toyota models. Additionally, each runner-up will receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services. To learn more about the 100 Cars for Good program, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs over 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed over half a billion dollars to philanthropic programs in the U.S. 

For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving communities nationwide, visit http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.   

About Toyota Financial Services

Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is the finance and insurance brand for Toyota and Lexus in the U.S., offering retail auto financing and leasing through Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC) and Toyota Lease Trust and extended service contracts and other payment protection products through Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS). TFS employs 3,300 associates nationwide, and has managed assets totaling more than $91 billion. It is part of a worldwide network of comprehensive financial services offered by Toyota Financial Services Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Media Contact:                
Sheba Munn
Southeast Toyota Distributors
(954) 420-3279
Sheba.munn@jmfamily.com

SOURCE I-95 Toyota & Scion