I remember Christmases of past when my children were little and the toys they were given became so numerous that they well outnumbered the lights on the tree! Imagine a gift of more than a million toys -- that's been Pelco's inspiring contribution since 1993 to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

 

Video and security systems manufacturer Pelco announced this week that its employees presented 70,783 Toys for Tots to the U.S. Marine Corps on December 24, during a fun-filled ceremony at the company’s Clovis, Calif., headquarters. Pelco's cumulative contribution since 1993 has exceeded more than one million toys.

 

The festive occasion included the presentation of a toy representing the overall donation to members of the U.S. Marine Corps, live music and the singing of the national anthem by Pelco employee Lorraine Christiansen. Hundreds of Pelco staff attended the campus event.

 

“During these harsh economic times, Pelco is proud that its employees have continued their commitment to Toy for Tots and to bringing Christmas to thousands of Central Valley children in need,” said Pelco president and CEO, Dean Meyer.

 

Toys for Tots has grown steadily since 1993’s modest donation of 808 toys to become Pelco’s “flagship” charity; with the company matching one-for-one the number of toys donated by employees. Employees raise money throughout the year with dozens of activities such as bake sales, raffles, voluntary payroll deductions, and solicitations from suppliers and customers. This fundraising efforts this year also included the first-ever Toys for Tots Fun Run.