With an impact spanning roughly 13 states, Hurricane Sandy has left a path of destruction in its wake. It's clear that a large amount of work will be required to completely recover from the damage, and that's why so many people and businesses are coming together to help in any way possible, including Toyota.

The Japanese automaker recently announced two ways that it's helping with the recovery effort. On one end, Toyota…

Toyota is one automaker we can say, without reservation, has a good heart. That's one of the reasons we're so proud to carry the brand. One, recent example of their generosity, is the distribution of over $1-million in grants to K-12 programs focused in science, math and, of course, engineering. Made on behalf of Toyota USA Foundation, this year's funds were awarded to seven different programs/foundations promoting, not only real-world education…

Toyota has a long history of philanthropic efforts; they even have a dedicated Philanthropic department. So, even a record earthquake, tsunami and less-than-optimal supply levels are not going to get in the way of their generosity.

Toyota's latest philanthropic effort is in conjunction with the Today Show's "Lend a Hand" series. The Japanese automaker has in fact participated in the series for the past two years, donating a Toyota Sienna, in 2009 and…

Toyota is sharing some of its biggest innovations with the world outside of the auto industry. Wake Forrest University is using Toyota's T.H.U.M.S. software to study the effects of hits and tackles on football players. Their goals are to develop safer helmets and understand how to better treat injured players. NASCAR previously used the same technology to improve the structure of seats in race cars and revise their 2010 rule…