GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Delta marks two decades with Marine Toys for Tots

Policy

David Garrison, S.V.P. – Corporate Safety and Security | Delta Air Lines

By Sky Industry News

Dec 13, 2024

Delta TechOps has donated a record 1,700 bicycles, over 1,300 new toys, and a $50,000 check from Delta to the Atlanta affiliate of Toys for Tots. This event took place at the TechOps Hangar in Atlanta on December 4th. The gathering marked the 20th year of Delta's partnership with Marine Toys for Tots.

Employees from Delta participated in loading all the bikes and toys onto trucks for delivery to the Toys for Tots warehouse. These items will be stored until they are distributed to children in the Atlanta area during the holiday season.

The funds used to purchase these unassembled children's bikes were raised by members of the TechOps family throughout the year. More than 30 departments within TechOps dedicated significant time to assembling these bikes for local youth. In keeping with tradition, pink and blue bikes lined the halls leading up to this annual event. At this year's celebration, assembled bikes formed Santa’s sleigh with a sign marking this milestone occasion.

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John Laughter, President of Delta TechOps and Chief of Operations stated: “Marking the 20th year of this partnership is incredibly special to all Delta people, but especially our teams in TechOps who host the Bike event each year. For some, these bikes may be the only Christmas gift they receive and one that will last long after the holidays – all thanks to the time and care put in by our TechOps team to build them.”

In addition to bicycles, employees at both TechOps and G.O. collected toys for donation. More than ten departments held toy drives beginning in October, including virtual toy boxes featuring kids' wish lists alongside traditional collection boxes placed across campus locations. The G.O.'s efforts resulted in collecting a record number of 2,160 toys.

Delta is recognized as an Airline Partner of Toys for Tots and serves as a National Corporate Sponsor supporting various initiatives like The Literacy Program aimed at providing disadvantaged children access to books which aid their academic growth by enhancing reading skills and communication capabilities effectively.

Each year nationwide contributions exceed $700K towards ongoing support through annual toy drives conducted across multiple sites within their operational framework.