On Dec. 2 and 3, Southwire’s Project GIFT hosted its annual toy drive benefitting Toys for Tots with a goal of collecting 5,000 new, unwrapped toys to bring hope to the children of Carroll County this holiday season. Thanks to the generous contributions of Southwire employees, partners, volunteers and local residents, the organization surpassed its goal and collected more than 6,500 toys.

According to its website, Toys for Tots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity created in 1991 by the U.S. Marine Corps to bring joy to the holidays through the gift of a new toy and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children.  Project GIFT has partnered with Toys for Tots each year for nearly two decades.
 
To support the health and safety of volunteers and community members, the toy drive operated in a drive-thru format. Community attendees drove through a service line, popped their trunks and allowed Project GIFT volunteers to unload toys directly into donation boxes.

Southwire’s Project GIFT Toys for Tots drive was made possible by the kindness of community partners like this year’s senior partners, Gradick Communications, Hightower Funeral Homes, West Georgia Technical College, Addison Smith, Associated Credit Union, Phoenix Wood Products and Heart Wood Products, LLC.

Other event partners include Metro West CARES, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, SERVPRO of Carrollton, Ga., All Seasons Roofing, New Leaf Marketing and GMS Planning, LLC.

Because of these partners, along with community members who donated, Southwire is providing toys for more than 4,100 families in Carroll County this holiday season.

“Our community, volunteers, partners and teams behind the scenes went above and beyond, and I would like to thank everyone who donated and helped make the event a huge success,” said Blair Watkins, Project GIFT coordinator.  

For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire.com/newsroom. To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to Giving Back, visit www.southwire.com/sustainability.