Share the Joy celebrates 25 years of giving
Gordon Trucking and Valley Freightliner’s Blue Heart Committee took part in the group’s 25th annual Share the Joy event this December, making the holiday season brighter for more than 140 children.
Employees and friends of both companies gave gifts of food, clothing and toys to children and families in need throughout our neighboring communities in Wash., Ore., Calif. and Ind.
In Pacific, Wash. GTI employee Brian Cowger and his brother, VFI employee, Scott Cowger went door to door handing out toys to children of the Auburn, Sumner and Pacific neighborhoods.
“We’ve been volunteering in Share the Joy for several years now,” said Scott. “Each year we're able to reach out to more families and children through the donations from both companies. It's nice we're able to keep growing the number of kids we contribute to.”
Brian added that he’s proud to see the program continue to grow annually and encourages others from both companies to get involved in 2012.
In Medford, Ore. GTI employee Kevin Skinner suited up as Saint Nick and handed out toys to more than 40 local children.
“Everyone that was involved was overjoyed with the happiness and excitement that was brought to each family,” said Kevin. “The children were excited to meet Santa and enjoyed the gift bags they all received.”
Further south down Interstate 5, the Gordon Trucking Lathrop terminal got Christmas going early. There, GTI employee Rob Laundra stepped up as Santa and delivered toys to children in the northern California communities.
“It was great that as a company and more closely a terminal, we were able to bring something to these families that they wouldn’t have otherwise received,” said Lathrop employee Gary Driskill. “Thanks to the Gordon Family, the Lathrop team and to all of our family and friends who took part in this wonderful event.”
In Indianapolis, GTI employees Brett Terchila, Nikki Cornelius, Erin Essick and Brian Runnels brought gifts to three very appreciative families who had been struggling financially this holiday season.
“This was a very rewarding event for all of us to be able to participate in,” said Nikki. “Brian did a great job playing Santa and the kids absolutely loved him.”
What started as a small local project in the Puget Sound area, Share the Joy has grown tremendously in its 25 years. Gordon Trucking and Valley Freightliner are proud to see the project operating in multiple states, helping more and more families each year.