TDS and Appleton Downtown, Inc. teaming up to help save Christmas for children in need
Organizations hope to fill an RV with donations for Toys for Tots
Two local organizations are working together to make the holidays more special for struggling families. TDS Telecom (TDS®) and Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) are kicking off a donation drive for Toys for Tots with a lofty goal—to fill an RV with gifts.
“Although the holidays are often a time of joy, many people will not be able to celebrate this year because they are battling the effects of pandemic poverty,” says Kristal Knudtson, director of development and marketing communications at the Salvation Army—Fox Cities which runs the Toys for Tots program in the area. “That’s why having a partnership like this is so impactful and it’s great to see a community come together to serve each other by purchasing toys to bring joy into our neighbors’ homes.”
Residents can donate new, unwrapped toys at ADI’s office at 333 W. College Avenue, Appleton as well as TDS’ retail store at 1419 Oneida St., Menasha during regular business hours from Monday, November 8 through Friday, November 19. Donations will also be accepted Saturday, November 20 at the TDS booth at the Light Up Appleton event in Houdini Plaza from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
“To give back to those who donate, for every toy or book contributed to the drive, donors will be entered to win a $500 Downtown Appleton gift certificate that’s good to use at any business in Downtown Appleton,” says Abby Reich, marketing and communications manager at ADI. “We hope the community will have some fun helping their neighbors have a brighter holiday by stuffing TDS’ RV full of toys.”
Donations dropped off at both TDS/ADI Toys for Tots collection boxes will ultimately be placed in the TDS vehicle before delivery to the Salvation Army–Fox Cities.
“We may not have Santa’s sleigh, but our RV is ready and waiting to deliver loads of gifts to Toys for Tots says Dawn Nowakowski, associate manager of Field Marketing at TDS. “Every donation matters and could be the reason a child smiles this holiday.”
ADI is a not-for-profit community coalition dedicated to building a strong, safe, and exciting downtown area in Appleton. TDS, a Wisconsin-based company, has been offering telecommunications solutions in the Fox Cities for more than 20 years and recently began building a fiber network in the area. For more information about ADI visit appletondowntown.org. For more information about TDS services in Appleton visit TDSFiber.com.
Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children during the holiday season. The toys, books and gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers offer children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org
