Gulf Power Company employees have wrapped up their annual holiday collection of hundreds of toys, clothing and other gifts, which will be donated to the 2012 Communities Caring at Christmas campaign this Friday.

In addition to the almost $16,000 worth of bikes and helmets bought and assembled by the utility’s employees, they also raised close to $12,000 to give as a cash donation and collected hundreds of toys and other gifts for Communities Caring at Christmas. The estimated grand total of all the donations equals more than $36,000 from Gulf Power employees.

The money raised for the cash donations, bikes and helmets and some of the donated gifts are raised throughout the year through fundraisers held by the employees, such as golf tournaments, bake sales and raffles.

“We know the holiday season can be a difficult time for many 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 17^th 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.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop off their gift at any Sandy Sansing dealership on U.S. 29 or at WEAR-TV on Mobile Highway by Dec. 14.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 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 GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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