Mike Wolanin | The Republic Volunteers from Toyota Material Handling: Josh Sayers, from left, Tyler Cowles, Sean Matney and Darryl Mullins prepare to cut a piece of lumber as they help build a wheelchair ramp at a home on Chestnut Street for Toyota Material Handling’s annual Lift the Community Day in Columbus, Ind., Monday, July 1, 2024.
Toyota’s Lift the Community Day allowed employees to volunteer and spend time in the community with a number of different organizations.
“I think it’s really nice to be able to help people who can’t help themselves,” said Darryl Mullins, a forklift operator who has been with Toyota for seven years. Mullins was one of the volunteers spending time Monday at a home in Columbus, building a ramp with SAWS ramps.
SAWS (Servants at Work) is a nonprofit based out of Indianapolis. They construct wheelchair ramps outside of homes for individuals who are permanently disabled, and they aim to provide independence through this work.
“I think it’s good that our company represents the community and helps others,” said Mullins.
Every volunteer was wearing a matching shirt with the Lift the Community logo on the front and the word “VOLUNTEER” on the back. Below the title on the back, Mullins had added the phrase “To help and improve our community.”
Sarah Steward, a senior HR manager who has been with Toyota for 9 years, said Lift the Community Day is her favorite day as a Toyota associate.
“Today really speaks to who we are,” said Steward.
Steward said that giving back to the community is a big aspect of Toyota’s core values.
Other volunteer opportunities took place around the community with the American Red Cross, ARC of Bartholomew County, Bartholomew County Historical Society, Humane Society, Parks Department, Solid Waste Management District, Bicycle Co-op, Brown County Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls club of Seymour, Columbus Animal Care Services, Columbus Capital Fund, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Youth Camp, Foundation for Youth, Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County, Jackson County Clothing Center, Jennings County United Way, Just Friends, KidsCommons, Lincoln Central Neighborhood Family Center, Love Chapel, Mercy Rescue, Resources of Hope Inc., Reins to Recovery, Inc., Sans Souci, Student Fund of Hope, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Pantry, Teddy Bear Love Fund, Thrive Alliance, and Turning Point.
