Each summer, Kids In Need Foundation is proud to partner with Toyota through their Big Summer Giveback—an initiative that brings together Toyota dealerships across the country to support local students with the supplies they need to start the school year prepared and confident. Through in-class distribution events, dealership teams don’t just hand out backpacks—they step into classrooms, share encouragement, and become part of a student’s story. For one dealer in particular, the opportunity to play an integral role in a child’s educational journey meant everything.

Eli Rivera is the General Manager of Toyota of San Bernardino. Last year, as a Platinum dealer, Eli and his team participated in an in-class distribution event with Parkside Elementary School, visiting classrooms, sharing words of encouragement, and passing out backpacks. One interaction stayed with Eli long after the event.

As he and the team spoke with the students, one little girl jumped out of her seat and ran up to Eli. He leaned over to talk with her and she instantly wrapped her arms around his waist—her appreciation felt through this spontaneous bear hug. This small act of gratitude brought Eli to tears. When we asked Eli about the interaction, he shared that growing up, he had very little and had to work hard, persevere, and take advantage of every opportunity that came his way.

This is what meaningful partnership looks like: dealerships stepping up, warehouses preparing with purpose, and students opening backpacks in the near future. It’s more than just a backpack—it’s an important statement: “You are supported. You are prepared. You are part of a community that believes in your future.”

For Eli, being able to directly help children in similar circumstances have the same opportunities he did—while simultaneously having the chance to share how embracing unexpected chances can impact their lives—was a humbling experience. This is what meaningful partnership looks like: dealerships stepping up, warehouses preparing with purpose, and students opening backpacks in the near future. It’s more than just a backpack—it’s an important statement: “You are supported. You are prepared. You are part of a community that believes in your future.”

Stories like Eli’s remind us why partnerships like the Big Summer Give Back matter so deeply. When community leaders, corporate partners, and educators come together, the impact reaches far beyond a single day in the classroom. It creates moments of connection, inspiration, and hope that students carry with them long after the backpacks are unzipped. Thank you for being part of this journey—turning preparation today into opportunity, confidence, and readiness for students this summer and beyond.

View our Partners

Join the Mission

Every day, teachers show up for their students with passion, creativity, and dedication—but too many of them are doing it without the supplies they need to create the learning environments their students deserve. No teacher should have to choose between giving their students the best education possible and paying out of pocket for basic classroom materials.

Your company can help change that at scale.

Through a partnership with Kids In Need Foundation, your organization can:

• Activate employees in meaningful, high-impact volunteer experiences
• Deliver essential supplies to under-resourced classrooms nationwide
• Advance education equity in the communities where your employees live and work
• Drive measurable social impact aligned with your CSR and ESG goals

A single corporate commitment can fill thousands of backpacks, stock entire classrooms, and remind teachers they are not alone. When companies invest in educators, they strengthen communities, support future talent, and help ensure every child has the opportunity to learn with confidence.

Join us in creating equitable learning environments—one classroom, one community, and one employee activation at a time.