SRS Toys for Tots Campaign Brings Holiday Cheer to Area Children
AIKEN, S.C. (December 14, 2021) – This year marks 30 years that the Savannah River Site (SRS) has participated in the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Salvation Army Angel Tree Program Campaigns. Since 1991, SRS has collected and donated over 588,000 toys to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
As part of this important tradition that benefits those less fortunate children in the Central Savannah River Area, SRS contractors have partnered with the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program to bring the holiday spirit this season.
In addition to the toys collected during this year’s campaign, over $25,000 was raised, which surpassed the original $20,000 goal.
“It's a blessing to have each organization here because it adds to what we are trying to do to serve those families in need in our community. Since the Toys for Tots mission is to collect new unwrapped toys for less fortunate children on Christmas, the SRS campaign helps us complete the mission,” said Augusta Toys for Tots Coordinator Anne Woods.
At the close of the annual SRS Toys for Tots celebration, trucks full of gifts leave the Site in a parade formation to the local area distribution centers.
“The past two years have been a huge adjustment for people everywhere,” said 2021 SRS Toys for Tots/Angel Tree Program Campaign Chair Theresa Houston. “We are so fortunate to have such selfless and giving employees at the Savannah River Site. The SRS Toys for Tots and Angel Tree Program Campaign is dedicated to helping those less fortunate children in our communities by collecting toys and finding Santas for Angels in the CSRA.”
In addition to the Toys for Tots campaign, SRS started participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in 2000. Over the past 20 years, SRS employees have been adopting Angels and have given gifts to over 16,000 children in the CSRA. During this year’s campaign, 492 Angels were adopted.
“Thank you to all the SRS employees who participated in this year’s campaign. Your acts of service and simple kindness of buying a toy or being Santa to an Angel will impact these children in ways that you cannot imagine; and who knows, these children may pay your kindness forward by doing the same years from now for other children,” Houston continued. “Because of all of you, we are able to continue giving back to our local communities year after year.”
The Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Augusta, GA service the following counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, Wilkes and Wrens.
The Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program in Aiken, SC service the following communities: Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, Edgefield, North Augusta, Beech Island, Belvedere, Williston, Salley and Couchton.
This annual event is managed by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) and supported by the Department of Energy-Savannah River, National Nuclear Security Administration-Savannah River, SRNS, Savannah River Remediation, Centerra Group, Augusta Building Trades and Parsons. These companies and employees contribute in a variety of ways, from donating toys to making monetary contributions.
Primary Media Contact:
Luke Street
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
(803) 952-7145, luke.street@srs.gov
DOE Media Contact:
Monte Volk
U.S. Department of Energy
(803) 952-8283, monte.volk@srs.gov
