Press Release
TORRANCE, CA (December 21, 2009) – In conjunction with the Sister Soldier Project, Toyota’s African American Collaborative (AAC) is sending packages of comfort and joy to military servicewomen in Iraq and Afghanistan this holiday season. Both groups gathered recently for a pre-Christmas “packing party” at Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. headquarters in Southern California to fulfill the wishes of African American female soldiers in need of specialty hair-care products.
Toyota’s African American Collaborative hosted the last Sister Soldier “packing party” of 2009, which is supported by various corporations and groups throughout the year. “Sister Soldier” founder Myraline Morris Whitaker established the project after discovering the numerous concerns Black women expressed in managing their hair while on active duty.
Requests mainly focused on the shortage of products made specifically for ethnic women and an effort to maintain a polished military appearance.
Over time, the wish lists grew to skin and personal care items as well.
Whitaker’s website allows military women to ask for supplies, which are donated by companies and also provided by individual sponsors across the country. Packages are mailed through the postal office and can run approximately $10 a box. Toyota covered shipping costs for the 100 boxes recently sent overseas through their in-house distribution center.
Supplies were donated by various companies such as Organic Root Stimulator, Burrell and Carol’s Daughter, as well as generous donations by AAC members. Each care package included heartfelt notes and drawings from local elementary students personally addressed to each “sister soldier” by name, a first for the project, which was coordinated by Toyota’s AAC.
“Unfortunately, these brave women will not be home for Christmas, but I know how meaningful it is for them to receive something that reminds them of home during this special time of year,” says Whitaker.
Since 2006, nearly two thousand packages have been shipped to “Sister Soldiers,” aided by women’s groups from California to New York.
Whitaker’s goal is to have others join her in spreading the Christmas spirit of goodwill the whole year through. To host a “packing party” or for more information about the Sister Soldier Project, visit www.sistersoilderproject.com.
About Toyota’s African American Collaborative The African American Collaborative is a Toyota Business Partnering Group who collectively advance business interests and support associate development. Members offer unique insight into Toyota's recruiting efforts and community outreach with a focus on retention of African Americans associates at Toyota. For participants, these groups encourage professional development and provide opportunities for networking and learning.
