Toyota Mississippi team members build more than just great cars, as the automaker hosted a paid volunteer effort on site for the Tupelo Salvation Army’s “Empty Bowls” event. More than 30 team members worked to create nearly 300 handcrafted pottery bowls for the Tupelo nonprofit’s upcoming fundraising event in the Spring of 2026.
Each piece of pottery created must undergo a 14-step process from start to finish, according to the Salvation Army staff, so having the extra hands and hearts from Toyota was key to helping the organization meet its goal for “Empty Bowls” while also furthering Toyota’s mission to give back to its community and support local organizations in the region.
“Toyota Mississippi first made bowls for the Salvation Army a few years ago when we had some shutdown time due to supply chain issues,” shared Tiffannie Hedin, Manager, Corporate Communications, Toyota Mississippi. “We had a great turnout then. We turned our cafe into a mini pottery. Fast forward a few years later, Salvation Army approached us again, and while we are still processing vehicles, we decided to take several team members offline, and do it again.”
The Salvation Army’s Empty Bowls campaign in Tupelo is an annual fundraising lunch that supports the local food program by selling handcrafted bowls and soup. The event, organized by the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, is held in the Spring and features soups, bread, and drinks from local restaurants and businesses. Participants receive a handmade bowl, symbolizing food insecurity in the community.
“Each bowl is unique,” shared Captain Michael Chisolm, Salvation Army Corps Officer, Mississippi Division, Tupelo Corps. “Each one of them that you’re able to get is a special one created just for that event. The Tupelo community loves collecting them, and thanks to our partners like Toyota Mississippi, our event has grown each year.”
Since its inception, Toyota Mississippi has donated more than $57 million annually to regional and state nonprofit organizations and volunteers. Helping create the pottery bowls isn’t the only way Toyota Mississippi has given back to the Tupelo Salvation Army.
“We’re so grateful to be able to partner with Toyota and other agencies,” shared Captain Chisolm. Toyota is one of our biggest sponsors. Toyota is helping us collect a lot of toys to help fill bags for the 800 families we’ve adopted to make sure they have toys under the tree for their children 12 and under.”
“There are always opportunities for Toyota team members to volunteer,” said April Robinson, quality control projects team leader. Toyota lives on giving back to the community. It doesn’t have to be a season or a holiday; we love to give back. I’ve been with Toyota for nine years, and Toyota has been a blessing for my family and me.”
There are several Salvation Army locations in Mississippi: two in Jackson, two in Hattiesburg, one in Tupelo, and one in Meridian. These locations offer a range of social services, emergency assistance, and spiritual programs to the community.
Captain Chisolm reminds us, “You can support your local Salvation Army this Christmas season by donating to the Red Kettle Campaign throughout the state. ”
*Photos are courtesy of Toyota Mississippi
