Where Wishes Come True

At Toyota Material Handling, it’s clear to see that volunteering and community involvement are a priority for all associates. The company’s core purpose is Helping People Carry the Load. Toyota associates set a goal each year to dedicate time and money to causes that impact the local community. One of those goals is focused on sponsoring a child’s wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

This year, Toyota chose to sponsor, Adelyn Spahr, a 15-year-old girl from Nashville, Indiana. Adelyn has a smile that lights up a room and her happy demeanor spreads joy. You wouldn’t know from her positive attitude that she has fought cancer for much of her young life.

Adelyn is recovering after having bone cancer in her leg, which has held her back from many of her favorite activities, such as soccer, swimming, and dancing. Despite these challenges, Adelyn keeps a positive attitude and always has others at the forefront of her mind. Through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Adelyn wished she could visit Hawaii and explore the beautiful island, but on one condition, she wanted her parents and three siblings to go with her.

After hearing her wish, Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) was eager to make her dreams come true. The company set a goal for associates to raise $7,500 to send Adelyn and her family to Hawaii. Not only were associates able to reach the goal, but in true Toyota fashion, the company went above and beyond. Between golf scrambles, fun runs, and internal fundraising, $34,515 was raised. With a $7,500 match from TMHNA, the total funds raised reached $42,015.

With this record-breaking amount, Toyota Material Handling was able to send Adelyn and her whole family to Hawaii with all of the bells and whistles to make the trip unforgettable. In addition to sponsoring Adelyn’s wish, Toyota Material Handling was also able to grant two additional wishes through Make-A-Wish. The funds raised sent two local Columbus, Indiana children to Disney World.

To make Adelyn’s experience with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and TMHNA extra special, she was invited to visit the TMH Campus and acted as “CEO for a Day” on May 25, 2022. During her visit, Toyota was sure to greet her with a true Toyota celebration. Her day was filled with a Toyota Forklift factory tour, CEO duties, and a fun luau lunch where she was officially granted her wish.

Adelyn and her happy family filled the day with joy. All associates were thrilled to meet the fundraising goal of sending this family on a well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Thank you to the Spahr family for visiting Toyota Material Handling and the Make-a-Wish Foundation for making dreams come true across the United States.