Recently I had the opportunity to work with Toyota to shop for and deliver $2,000 in toys and supplies, plus a check, to Children’s Mercy Hospital here in Kansas City. It was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve done, and I wanted to share a little more on how this unique opportunity came about.
If you’ve been following me, then you probably know that I started this blog in an effort to overcome some fears that were holding me back from doing the things I’ve always wanted to do. In this process, I’ve read a lot of really great self-help books. Many of these books recommend things like writing out your goals as if they’ve already happened. I’ll admit, this initially sounded a little cray cray to me, but after a year of trying it, I am completely convinced that this works.
So… what does this have to do with Toyota? Well, I noticed another blogger I follow (and admire) drives a Toyota Highlander. I saw her talking about it in her stories a while back, and I wrote down “Toyota Highlander” in a note I keep in my phone with all my Instagram stuff. I look at this note almost every day.
Ironically (or not) a neighbor friend of mine that works for Toyota came to me to discuss an idea he had to do something charitable through Toyota. He suggested I drive a Toyota vehicle for a couple weeks and use it to deliver the donations. -And, of course, guess what car he suggested…? A Toyota Highlander! It was the craziest moment.
As we were working on finalizing the campaign, I unfortunately totaled my car. (No one was hurt, thankfully!) In the amazing way that life works, it was the perfect timing for me to pick up the Toyota Highlander, and it was an enormous blessing to me during a very stressful time.
I had so many of my followers write to me to tell me how much they love their Toyota Highlander, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed driving it. All the technology was so cool and easy to use, I loved the bucket seats + a THIRD ROW, and it drove like a luxury vehicle. The Highlander truly has it all! I was honestly very sad to return it at the end of the campaign.
The biggest blessing in this whole deal came when I delivered the $2,000 worth of goods and a check from Toyota to Children’s Mercy. As I was shopping for the items, I couldn’t help but imagine the families that would need and use these items. Imagine buying a toy that you know is going to put a smile on a child’s face who might be facing a serious illness. Or clothing for the child’s parent who is spending the majority of his or her time in the hospital.
I was completely overwhelmed and humbled to be a part of this in some way. The donation and idea was all Toyota, I just got to be the delivery girl. It’s projects like these that make it worth the time and effort I put into this blog.
Huge thank you to Toyota and the following local Toyota dealerships for your generosity and heart for giving back: Molle Toyota, Legends Toyota, Adams Toyota, Olathe Toyota, Crown Toyota of Lawrence and Hendrick Toyota of Merriam.