The Communities Caring at Christmas caravan streamed into the Gulf Power Company 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 $29,000 from Gulf Power employees — including 176 bicycles.

After collecting the gifts, the caravan, led by Sue Straughn of WEAR-TV, Sandy Sansing and Cat Country Radio, headed to the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds to sort and process the gifts to be distributed to families and children in need.

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 many, so Communities Caring at Christmas is a great way to directly help those in need,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power manager of Corporate Communications. “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 18^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.