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.
Today we’re looking at City Electric Supply:
DALLAS, Texas — When Nate Jefferson, City Electric Supply (CES) regional manager for the South Texas area, decided to put a toy drive bin in his branches in 2021, he had no idea the spark it would create. Now in the third year with the 40 CES branches participating that Nate oversees— about 150 CES employees across Austin, San Antonio, and Houston continue to get their customers and friends involved in spreading the holiday cheer. This year, the CES locations donated approximately 1,285 toys to 11 organizations they are passionate about in their communities.
“The idea to help more local charities actually came from the branch teams. Each branch felt passionate about investing in the communities that they live in and being a resource to their neighbors in need,” Jefferson noted.
Several organizations that CES helped with took the time to reflect on what it means to have this localized support from CES and how it adds up to a much larger community shift.
Galveston Police Department (GPD) began their Blue Santa toy drive in 1994, identifying 12 families in need. This year, they had 512 families receiving holiday assistance, equating to 1,310 children. They believe that without the support of local businesses and citizens, this effort would not be as successful as it is.
“Our biggest deal is making sure every child in Galveston has the opportunity to smile on Christmas morning,” said Sgt. Jovan Harris, GPD Special Operations, CPA Liaison, and Director of Blue Santa. “There’s nothing like the light of a kid who sees you coming down the sidewalk with a new bike and then realizes that it’s theirs.”
Houston Fire Department (HFD) has been organizing their Operation: Stocking Stuffer toy drive, which has been steadily growing since its inception over 30 years ago. Partnering with over 100 local businesses and global companies, HFD provides toys and gifts to over 20,000 children each year, making it one of the largest community outreach programs of its kind.
“The community support is indescribable — the fact that we can go into local businesses, let them know what we’re doing, and every single time they say, ‘Absolutely, bring us whatever you need.’ These businesses start calling others and getting them involved; the passion for giving back is contagious and spreads throughout the community,” said HFD Public Information Officer and Firefighter Martee Black.
Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) has held their annual Holiday Drive for many years, bringing in thousands of gifts for youth in the foster system. The consistency that CASA provides for youth who have been removed from their homes shines through this gift drive, ensuring that while big decisions are being made about their physical environment, things like Christmas gifts aren’t missed.
“Having businesses who can be touchpoints for our cause is a win for the community, and the support is more than just gifts coming through the building,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Britney Fines. “The important part is that kids get the simple joy of receiving a gift from someone, which can be overlooked in busy situations. We can provide the happiness of the season, and that is what’s most important to us.”
For Jefferson, it’s about community involvement and helping those in need — he attributes a lot of the toy drive’s growth to his branch team members and their initiative.
“It’s an opportunity for each of us to take time to give back to the communities that give so much to us,” said Jefferson. “Our branch teams already work hard, and then, on top of that, they really took this toy drive and ran with it. I’m very thankful for the initiative they’ve shown,” said Jefferson.
“And it’s always fun to see a little banter between branches as they make it a competition to see who can get the most toys,” he added with a laugh.
The relationships that the toy drive has brought to CES South Texas branches are lasting ones. Jefferson has met families that are customers and successful business owners, and they share the achievement together.
“It goes to show that what we do and the relationships that we have with our customers extend way beyond a transaction at the counter,” noted Jefferson.
“CES was so excited when Nate came to CES Cares with the toy drive idea where all of his branches would get to participate in a local toy drive. He has such a passion for giving back, and it’s wonderful to see a regional manager inspire his branches to give back to their local communities,” said CES Cares Social Impact Manager Karen Gray. “Because of the branch team members’ enthusiasm about this project, every year, the toy drive in his region gets bigger and bigger. The CES branches can now directly impact their communities on a larger scale than three years ago.”
When asked where the toy drive will go from here, Jefferson has high hopes for the future.
“This toy drive has evolved and grown so much over the first three years we’ve been doing this already. I know the branch teams are looking forward to seeing what we can do next year to make an even bigger impact for the children in our communities,” said Jefferson. “To our customers, team members, and vendors, this would not be possible without you. Thank you all for your continued support.”
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