The Beds 4 Babies Project is a successful initiative of the Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc. The Beds 4 Babies Project was created in 2006 in response to an increase in accidental infant suffocation deaths. Eligible families, who lack the resources to provide a safe sleep environment for their baby, receive a portable crib as well as educational information and instructions on safe sleep practices. Since 2006, over 3,000 cribs have been distributed to families in need in the Coalition's tri-county area. Funding is based on contributions obtained through grant writing and the generosity of local community partners. The Project works in collaboration with over 30 community partners in the tri-county area who assess the families' needs and makes referrals for assistance. 

Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties, Inc. is very appreciative to Toyota of Winter Haven for awarding us the "Ideas for Good" grant of $5,000.00.  These funds will be utilized by our Coalition to purchase approximately 71 cribs and helps us to fulfill our mission to promote healthy pregnancies, babies and families in the tri-county area who otherwise would not have a safe place to sleep.

-Nancy Lozell, Healthy Start Coalition Associate Executive Director

"New Beginnings High School is very appreciative to Toyota of Winter Haven for awarding us the "Ideas for Good" grant of $5,000. It is truly an honor to be the recipient as we know there are many deserving organizations in our community.  We are also so proud of our NBHS students who worked hard to get us this grant, and are working harder to reach their goal of graduation."
- Ashlee Wright, New Beginnings High School Principal 

Below are a few nominations for 2011's 2nd quarter winner, Winter Haven Police Athletic League:

"The Winter Haven Police Athletic/Activities has a mission to keep kids out of trouble.  We exist to give kids an opportunity to develop skills that will make them successful in life.  The PAL provides a safe social environment, treating the cause rather than the symptom of delinquent behavior.
Over the past 13 years, the Winter Haven P.A.L. has touched the lives of hundreds of children through recreation and enrichment programs.  It is established that there are approximately 500 children currently engaged in local P.A.L. activities, including summer and after-school programs, computer tutoring, leadership development activities, boxing and basketball.  In addition, the P.A.L. Center serves as a place for children to play and socialize during non-school hours in s safe and supervised environment." -Officer Derrick Doles

"Winter Haven PAL is serving the community by touching the lives of our young people in a positive way and additional funding will help them do even more. WH PAL" -Harriet Daniels

Below are a few nominations for 2011's first quarter winner, MADD:
 
"I am Jerry Hill and I serve the people of Polk County as their State Attorney. I firmly believe MADD deserves the $5000 Toyota award. Not only is MADD doing an excellent job in educating our young people about the dangers of drinking and driving, but it is also a vital part of our prosecution team, providing much needed services to the victims and families of victims of these horrible crimes."

"I would like to vote for MADD Polk County to receive the $5000. This group of volunteers have been truly dedicated in their quest to eliminate drunk driving. They give their own time and energy to support local victims, law enforcement and the community. I can think of no one more deserving and no one who could enrich the Polk County community more than this MADD Chapter." -Kelli O'Donnell

"With the opportunity to receive this generous donation, TOYOTA has the power to continue the gift of MADD's (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) monumental non profit healing and support services for hundreds of local lives, as well as provide the vital education to widen their life changing humanitarian exposure to thousands more throughout Polk County. Thank You so Much for considering MADD as a well deserved finalist." -Jamey Winrow

"Please select MADD of Polk County as Toyota of Winter Haven's IDEAS FOR GOOD CAMPAIGN winner. During my 30+ years in Law Enforcement I have never seen anyone work harder than the volunteers of MADD of Polk County. I have first hand seen the destruction a drunk driver can do in a fraction of a second. I have seen and worked crashes inv...oling drunk drivers and this should be America's number one effort, to get drunk drivers off the roads. The volunteers of MADD work tirelessly to promote safe driving and safe streets and highways and would benefit greatly from your support. Please pick MADD of Polk Countyas the winner. Thank you." -Rick A. Bream

"It makes sense that a CAR dealership is coming alongside MADD, because MADD is a wonderful multipurpose tool! It helps parents by easing their pain as they in turn are helping to inform lawmakers, law enforcement officials and average citizens about the effects of drunk driving. Shedding light on this subject has saved countless people from having the 2nd or third drink because now they understand that is all it takes to impair their senses while driving." -Linda Sack Bell