BUFFALO, W.Va. (May 30, 2023) –Toyota West Virginia put the automaker’s mission in motion today as they announce three donations to improve mobility: Good News Mountaineer Garage, Putnam County Aging Program and Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority.

“Toyota strives to raise the quality and availability of mobility and to alleviate transportation burdens for those most vulnerable in our area,” said David Rosier, Toyota West Virginia president. “Today’s announcement is another step  toward helping our community reach its full potential.”

• Good News Mountaineer Garage received $30,000 to support repairs for used vehicles. The Good News Mountaineer Garage helps economically disadvantaged individuals re-enter the workforce by providing transportation for them to attain employment or achieve educational goals.
• Putnam County Aging Program received an accessible Sienna to serve their senior clients.  Putnam County Aging provides services that enable county residents, age 60 and above, to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. The accessible vehicle allows for easier pick up and drop off of their clients.
• Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT) received a Sienna to serve students at BridgeValley Community and Technical College. KRT is a public transportation system serving Kanawha County and portions of Fayette and Putnam counties.

Today’s donations are the result of a research study of transportation challenges in the region. In 2022, Toyota West Virginia partnered with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) to conduct a mobility needs assessment in Putnam County and the surrounding areas.

The CTAA study found higher education students, older adults and economically-disadvantaged individuals were disproportionately impacted by existing mobility gaps.

Toyota West Virginia is Toyota’s only combined engine and transmission plant in North America. The $2 billion facility employs more than 2,000 people. . The plant has invested more than $10 million in local philanthropic and educational initiatives over the past two decades.

“I am thrilled that Toyota had the vision to make a partnership possible that will help solve the transportation challenge that students face,” said Sean Hill, KRTA executive director. “We are working together make education a priority and prepare the area’s workforce their upcoming careers.”

“Good News Mountaineer Garage has enjoyed a long partnership with Toyota West Virginia,” said Jennifer Thacker, the group’s executive director. “By helping those who need it most secure safe, reliable transportation, we are ensuring that our clients are building better lives for themselves and their families.”

“The Putnam County Aging Program is proud of the role we have played in helping elderly and disabled adults with access to critical care services,” said Jenni Sutherland, executive director Putnam County Aging Program. “This collaboration with Toyota and CTAA has helped our agency meet the increased demand for transportation services and improved the reliability of our transportation program.”