The Communities Caring at Christmas caravan streamed into the Gulf Power headquarters on Friday and collected hundreds of toys, bikes and other gifts — all donated by Gulf Power employees.
The estimated total of all the donations is more than $37,180 from Gulf Power employees — including more than $9,000 in cash donations, and 160 bicycles and helmets.
After collecting the gifts, the caravan headed to the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds to sort and process the gifts to be distributed to families and children in need.
(Click HERE to watch the WEAR TV report from the Pensacola fairgrounds.)
Gulf Power employees raised money throughout the year through fundraisers, such as golf tournaments, bake sales and raffles.
“We know the holiday season can be a difficult time for so many in our area, so Communities Caring at Christmas is a great way to directly help those in need,” said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson. “Every year our employees reach into their own pockets to help make sure as many children as possible have a great Christmas.”
Communities Caring at Christmas provides new toys, clothing and daily living needs for low income and abused, neglected and abandoned children living in foster care in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
This is the 21st year Gulf Power and its employees have participated in Communities Caring at Christmas. Gulf Power was one of the first major supporters of the program, which is sponsored by WEAR-TV and Sandy Sansing Automobile Dealerships.
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Gulf Power is an investor-owned energy provider with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 450,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com.
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Jeff Rogers
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Rick DelaHaya
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Natalie Smith
Media Relations
850-444-6784, cell 850-375-6123