Toyota Material Handling of Columbus is partnering with Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry in Seymour with more than $100,000 in financial support, in-kind donations and volunteering. From left are Danielle Nickerson, Toyota human resource specialist; Tracy Stachniak, Toyota vice president of human resources; Megan Cherry, Anchor House executive director; and Emily McDonald, Anchor House program director.
Submitted photo
Toyota Material Handling, a manufacturer of forklifts and provider of a range of material handling solutions, has announced a new partnership with Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry.
The Seymour-based nonprofit organization focuses on investing in Jackson County residents through housing, employment resources and nutritional assistance. It’s the only homeless assistance program serving the local community, offering two emergency shelters and the largest food pantry in the area.
“Toyota Material Handling is proud to partner with this local organization that has an impact on so many families and individuals in our community,” said Tracy Stachniak, vice president of human resources for the Columbus industry. “Anchor House is a staple in the community, and we are proud that this partnership will allow the shelter to broaden the ways they assist those in need.”
Toyota’s commitment through this partnership includes $100,000 in financial support to Anchor House to be paid over the next four years.
The company also is providing in-kind donations to meet needs that arise for Anchor House and its beneficiaries, such as nonperishable food or business and interview attire.
Toyota employees will have unique opportunities to make a difference by volunteering for the organization to provide shelter maintenance and food pantry donations.
The partnership also includes support for Anchor House’s self-sufficiency program with Toyota providing employment skills training to residents involved in the program. The training includes but is not limited to interview skills, résumé writing and application completion assistance.
Through this program, Toyota is helping develop a sustainable employment track for Anchor House families.
“The growing need for our services in the community has been evident by the increased need for food and shelter we’ve continued to experience,” Anchor House Executive Director Megan Cherry said. “Now more than ever, our friends and neighbors need our assistance. With the growing need, we rely on vital partners like Toyota to help us with our important work. This allows us to meet those needs and ensure that no one is left in the cold or hungry.”
Cherry said Anchor House couldn’t be more grateful that Toyota has come alongside the organization to provide volunteers, hard work and financial support to its mission.
“Toyota is one of our biggest champions and supporters,” she said. “We are able to continue to meet the need because of this great partnership and work they support.”
In 2022, Anchor House provided more than 10,500 nights of shelter to citizens in need and served more than 14,000 people through its food pantry. Apartments for homeless families with children and the food pantry are at 250 S. Vine St., and the East Shelter for homeless individuals and families is at 326 Dupont Drive.
The organization has continuously served the Jackson County community for more than three decades and partners with multiple organizations in the area to provide holistic support for those with immediate and long-term needs.
For information, call 812-522-9308 or visit anchorhouseshelter.org or facebook.com/ahfamilyassistancecenter.
For information about Toyota Material Handling’s culture of volunteerism, visit toyotaforklift.com.