This holiday season, ABC chapters and member companies showed the importance of giving back to the community through toy and food drives and other generous events that helped bring a smile to the faces of those less fortunate.

ABC of Oklahoma collected toys for over 150 children who have parents currently deployed in Afghanistan. This year marked the 11th annual toy drive held by the chapter and its members to thank the soldiers who are fighting for our freedom. The ABC Carolinas chapter also worked with members of the military with eight Toys for Tots drives held at their holiday socials with help from local U.S. Marines. Member company, Sundt Construction, helped honor our military members by participating in the annual Wreaths Across America event where they spent a day laying wreaths on veterans’ cemeteries in Tuscon, Ariz. to remember the sacrifices they made for our country.   

The ABC Delaware chapter donated more than 120 toys in their first year working with the Kind to Kids toy drive, benefiting the foster children throughout the state of Delaware. 

"Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our toy drive this year," says ABC Delaware Chairman John Gooden. "We are pleased that we could donate so many toys for the toy drive.”

Additionally, the ABC Utah Emerging Leaders held an open hour food drive to benefit local food shelters and the ABC Virginia chapter asked staff to bring unwrapped presents to their holiday party to donate to Toys for Tots.

The ABC Florida East Coast chapter held their annual Handlebars for the Holidays event where they give a bicycle, helmet and lock to a child who would not be able to afford it otherwise. The bikes are donated through local charities including the Boys and Girls Club, the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Kids in Distress. This year, more than 50 volunteers from ABC staff and member companies participated with their families and donated more than 200 bikes. 

ABC Ohio Valley’s member, TP Mechanical participated in the US Postal Service’s “Letters to Santa” charity. Employees chose ornaments from a Christmas tree which specified items to be purchased for a family in need. With an outpouring amount of giving, TP Mechanical was able to ensure a memorable Christmas morning for these families. 

ABC chapters and member companies give back to their communities year round, but with these holiday events and their dedication to help others, they show the importance of remembering what the holiday season is really about.