Autoland Toyota of Springfield, New Jersey presented a new Toyota Sienna minivan to Children’s Specialized Hospital of Mountainside, New Jersey today as part of the national Toyota 100 Cars for Good program. Children’s Specialized Hospital won the van through the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations are awarded. The Toyota 100 Cars for Good program is awarding 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days, to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public.

 

The van was unveiled at a special celebration in Autoland’s show room on Thursday, November 3. Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, Springfield Mayor Hugh A. Keffer, Children’s Specialized Hospital supporters, patients and representatives from Toyota’s regional office attended the ceremony.

 

Children’s Specialized Hospital is the only non-profit organization to receive a fully equipped wheelchair accessible minivan through the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, outfitted by BraunAbility and local dealer Fun Truck’n Mobility, of Saddle Brook, NJ. This van will be used to transport pediatric patients to and from the hospital and patients can easily roll in and out of the vehicle with a push of a button.

 

Children’s Specialized Hospital is the nation’s largest provider of rehabilitation services for children with special needs. The hospital serves children affected by brain injury, spinal cord injury, premature birth, autism, developmental delays, and life-changing illnesses. Children’s Specialized Hospital has nine sites in New Jersey and treats 18,000 children each year.

 

“This was a fun and groundbreaking philanthropic effort by Toyota, and we are grateful to everyone who rallied for Children's Specialized and voted for our charity,” said Phil Salerno, president and chief development officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. “This new minivan will allow our patients to travel outside the hospital to appointments and special outings. No longer will they need to drag along special equipment. Now they can easily load and unload with the push of a button. Making life easier for children with special needs is the best part about today’s gift.”

 

Recognizing Children’s Specialized Hospital, Autoland Toyota of Springfield wanted to further support their positive impact on the community.

 

“Autoland has been involved with multiple charities in our community and surrounding areas since we opened in 1968. Not only our customers but our over 300 employees and their families are part of why Autoland remains committed to this community,” said Mark Montenero, president of Autoland.

 

The Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program enables 100 organizations to receive a Toyota vehicle to make a greater impact on the community. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to non-profit organizations, and has always been guided by a strong belief in serving the communities where it does business. If you’d like to learn more, please visit http://www.toyota.com/about/philanthropy/.