Yark Loves to Help Shoe Distribution

Written by Erin Tupper

Erin M. Tupper is the Sr. Director of Outreach & Advancement. For media inquiries please email erin.tupper@unitedwaytoledo.org or call 419-254-4785

January 20, 2025

[TOLEDO, OHIO] – On Thursday, January 23, 2025, representatives from Yark Subaru, Operation Warm, the Art Tatum Zone, Toledo Public Schools, and United Way of Greater Toledo along with community volunteers come together to provide brand new shoes and socks to 204 children from Pickett Academy in Central Toledo.

Nestled in the vibrant Junction Neighborhood, Pickett Academy serves students who face numerous challenges in their daily lives. Recognizing these hardships, the Art Tatum Zone—a nonprofit organization deeply rooted in the community—aims to provide comprehensive support for students and families from early childhood through their professional journeys. The Art Tatum Zone operates in an area where an overwhelming 99.7% of the students are classified as economically disadvantaged, often lacking access to basic necessities such as shoes and socks, sometimes leading to absences and lower educational attainment.

For 25 years, Operation Warm has dedicated itself to the holistic development of children. Their motto, “more than a coat,” signifies that the coats and shoes they distribute not only offer physical protection against the cold but also foster emotional well-being, boost self-esteem, and inspire hope for a brighter future.

Subaru stands out as the largest automotive contributor to Operation Warm, with Yark Subaru taking a leading role in supporting this initiative for the families associated with the Art Tatum Zone and Pickett Academy. Since Jim Yark founded the Yark Auto Group in 1981 and expanded to include Yark Subaru in 1986, the Yark family has been committed to community support, and this collaboration exemplifies their enduring dedication to giving back.

United Way is renowned for bringing together diverse partnerships across health, finance, education, and housing, all within a framework of results-based accountability. By collaborating with the Art Tatum Zone to support Pickett Academy through the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s EdRedesign Institute for Success Planning Community of Practice, United Way is creating additional avenues for corporate and community partners to enhance the lives of residents in the region. Pickett Academy is a hub school where community members will find services and resources that promote the academic success of students, nurture family and community connectedness, and foster health and wellness within the community.

 WHO: Yark Subaru, a Yark Automotive Group Dealership, Operation Warm, the Art Tatum Zone, Toledo Public Schools, United Way of Greater Toledo, Community Volunteers

WHAT: Subaru Lovers to Help and Operation Warm Shoe and Sock Distribution Event

WHEN: Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

WHY: Providing shoes and socks to students at Pickett Academy in the Junction Neighborhood in Toledo

We unite the caring power of people to improve lives. United Way of Greater Toledo brings a worldwide network into neighborhoods throughout Northwest Ohio. Proudly serving residents of Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood Counties, since 1918 we have believed that we all benefit from each other’s success. As one of the longest-serving charitable organizations in our region, we are trusted, innovative, collaborative and accountable. Most importantly, your contributions serve neighbors right here at home. 

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