Welcome to “The Good Stuff,” where we highlight positive news and ways that NAED employees and member companies go above and beyond to give back to their communities! If you have some “Good Stuff” that you would like to share with tED, find out how below.
In this issue of “The Good Stuff,” 40 branches of City Electric Supply completed a successful toy drive.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — City Electric Supply (CES) recently completed a successful toy drive that has grown into an annual tradition across Texas. What began five years ago with 18 branches now includes over 40 branches across six CES districts in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.
“I think it’s important for anybody in a position to be able to give back to do so. We’re very fortunate to have people in our network that care about giving back to our local communities,” said CES Regional Manager Nate Jefferson.
With local nonprofits experiencing increased demand for toys but fewer donations, CES organized its own toy drive to make a meaningful difference for children and teens in need.
“Overall, toy drives in 2025 appeared to bring in fewer donations compared to previous years, despite the growing number of children — and teens — in need,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Britney Fines of Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA). “CES’s support helps ensure more children and teens receive meaningful gifts and essentials during times of increased demand, directly impacting the total number of toys and items we are able to distribute.”
The toy drive reflects CES’s commitment to giving back to the communities which it serves through its social impact division, CES Cares. Participating CES branches choose the nonprofits that receive the donated toys, allowing each branch to support its local community. Nonprofits supported through the toy drive include Child Advocates San Antonio, Partnerships for Children, Operation Blue Santa, and DePelchin Children’s Center.
“For the past three years, we’ve had the privilege of donating to Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids,” said Whitney Kellum, operations manager of CES’s branch in Temple, Texas. “Every child deserves a holiday season filled with love, and we’re grateful to have brought smiles to many young faces, reminding them they’re valued and cherished. We hope to continue for years to come!”
CES San Antonio Southeast Branch Manager Guillermo Lino echoed that sentiment, saying, “No child should go without the joy of opening a gift. Every child deserves to feel loved and remembered during the holidays. This toy drive is our way of giving back to our community and helping every child experience the happiness they deserve.”
Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids, another beneficiary of the toy drive, said its donors like CES that have made it possible for them to never turn away an eligible child.
“This year, the number of children we served increased by 12 percent. The continued support from City Electric Supply is truly amazing year after year,” said Robben Thompson, president of Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids.
The toy drive brings CES teams and customers together around a shared purpose.
“Hosting this toy drive has brought us even closer to our customers as we support the community together and bring joy to children,” said Jose A. Cisneros Coronado, branch manager of CES Jersey Village.
The successful toy drive is welcoming a new phase of growth, and Jefferson is excited to build a committee to expand this initiative across more CES branches.
This year, Jefferson plans to encourage branches to host more Counter Days — special in-branch events where vendor partners showcase their products, connect with customers, and the opportunity to support a local charity — so they can help with the toy drive.
“At the end of the day, this is about the children and being able to bring a little magic into their lives,” said Jefferson. “No matter how the toy drive grows and evolves, we will keep showing up for our kids and our communities.”
Find more “Good Stuff” articles here on tEDmag.com.
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Tagged with CES, City Electric Supply, Good Stuff