Alcoa partnered with the Eastman Fire Department to assist with the 2009 Toy Drive Event. Due to Alcoa’s volunteer efforts, the fire department received a $1,500.00 Action Grant, which was awarded from the Alcoa Foundation. The fire department used this $1,500.00 to purchase additional toys in support of the toy drive. Many other local businesses, churches and individuals in Dodge County also provided toys for the community-wide toy drive.
Alcoa’s volunteers for the Eastman Fire Department’s Toy Drive Action Grant Event included Karen Butler, Ray Fluellen, Joah Fussell, Leslie Newman and Myron Parkerson. The volunteer efforts consisted of shopping for a variety of toys for children ages three to 13 years of age. A good assortment for younger and older children was purchased. The shopping portion of the volunteer activity took place on Friday, December 11. After purchasing the toys, the volunteers delivered them to the fire department. The volunteers then reconvened on Monday, December 14 at the fire department to deliver all of the toys that had been collected throughout the community to the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS).
Once at the DFCS, Alcoa volunteers as well as volunteers from the fire department and workers from the DFCS office helped unload the toys, organizing them into stacks by girls and boys as well as different age group. Once this portion of the process was complete, the volunteers began individually bagging the toys for all of the children that needed assistance. From this year’s toy drive event Dodge County was able to serve over 300 children.
Each year, hundreds of toys are collected community-wide for children who are in need. This drive generates the support from people of all ages and the generosity initiated in the Dodge County Community during this time of year is amazing. It is this enthusiasm and selfless giving that keeps our community going and brings a smile to so many children’s faces on Christmas morning. It is very energizing to see everyone helping and to realize the number of toys collected around the community that will end up in the hands of deserving children. Alcoa is very excited that they could be a part of such a wonderful event this holiday season.
