Michael Brothers Companies Brightens Christmas Morning for Children Across WPA
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program had a few Christmas angels of its own this year as Michael Brothers Companies donated its time by delivering toys to 15 different locations; every truck filled with holiday cheer for vulnerable families in need.
“The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program expressed a need for someone to transport the donated toys throughout the Pittsburgh area, and as a company, we decided we could offer precisely what we do best - and that is hauling goods for others!” said Boyd Jones, Operations Coordinator for Michael Brothers Companies. “This was so important for us because we want to be a company that is not only doing business in the communities that we live in and service every single day, but also a company that gives back to those same areas!”
The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program – formerly known as Treasures for Children in the Western PA region - brings communities together to provide kids with Christmases they’ll never forget.
Last year alone, The Salvation Army provided over 100,000 Christmas toys to vulnerable children. This year, the need is great as an increased number of families continue to experience the financial impacts of pandemic poverty.
“We are incredibly grateful to Michael Brothers Companies for their donation of not only their time, but their compassion and kindness,” said Major Jodi Lloyd, Program Secretary, The Salvation Army Western PA Division. “These deliveries greatly supported our worship and service centers, and every truck was filled with love for local families in need of some hope this year. Because of Michael Brothers, so many Christmas mornings will be brightened across our region!”
Children create wish lists that are shared with hundreds of companies, small businesses, churches, and individuals. Across 28 counties in Western PA, gifts and toys are collected and sorted by hundreds of volunteers at various Salvation Army locations, then given to families to put under the tree for Christmas day.
“It has been so rewarding to pull up to the different locations and get to speak with everyone while helping unload the trucks about how much these toys are going to make this a great Christmas for these kids,” Boyd said. “Having two children of my own, I know firsthand how difficult it is to make sure your children are happy, healthy, and fed every single day, let alone making sure there are presents under the tree for them on Christmas morning. Knowing that I was a small part of helping at least one kid have a better Christmas, let alone hundreds of kids, has made this such a great experience!”
In addition to Michael Brothers’ support of The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program, the company also supports WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up each year by collecting and recycling Christmas lights, and donating all proceeds to Project Bundle-Up. This Salvation Army program provides new winter outerwear for children and seniors in need. To donate your Christmas lights this year, click here to find a drop-off location near you.