As the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, we find ourselves approaching the holiday season. Like many of you, this turns our attention to charities. At the keynote address at the 2017 NACS show in October, it was announced that the convenience store industry alone, donated $990 million last year. We are proud and humbled to partner with industries that place such a priority on charitable giving.
Collections for the Pajama Program Begin
This year, ADD Systems will be continuing its commitment to a number of different charities, including the Pajama Program. This charity collects new pajamas and books for children in difficult circumstances. Their goal is for “…every child to feel the love and security that ensures peaceful sleep — and to awaken with the energy and spirit to make every day positive, happy and hopeful.” The New Jersey and Rhode Island offices will gather books and PJ donations through our annual movie night, 50/50, raffle and more. We’ll fill you in on more details in the coming months.
Did You Know About the Smile Train?
ADD Systems also plans to continue supporting other children’s charities. For many years we have been giving to the Smile Train. This was a personal commitment of ADD Systems founder, Bruce A. Bott, and his wife and ADD Systems treasurer, Gale Bott. As proud grandparents of 20 grandchildren, Bruce and Gale have a special affinity for children’s charities. They have been personally giving to Smile Train for more than 15 years, and in 2011, ADD Systems began donating as well. As an international charity, Smile Train provides completely free cleft lip and palate repair surgery and full cleft care to children in more than 85 developing countries.
Support for Devereux Florida Organization
Another charity being supported by our Orlando office is the Devereux Florida organization, “the largest not-for-profit provider of child welfare, behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities services in the state.” The Orlando office chose Devereux Florida because, as ADD Project Manager, Rhonda Matlack says, “many of the children they sponsor are at their lowest point, when the situation is critical or may seem hopeless. We hope to help them find comfort before they go to sleep at night with a new pair of pajamas and a book to give them hope for the future.” Some of the fundraising activities planned include a 50/50 raffle, company raffles, and an employee-sponsored brunch. “This year we hope to do better than last!”
Sun Youth Donations in Montreal
Meanwhile, our Montreal office will continue their commitment to Sun Youth, whose goal is to “distribute Christmas food baskets to over 12,000 people and 5,000 new toys for their children 12 years and under.” The Montreal office will be collecting food baskets and toys through mid-December. “Last year, it was very successful, and I am sure that this year will be great as well,” said Maria Scandella, Executive Assistant here at ADD Systems.
Join Us!
We hope you will join ADD Systems in supporting these children’s charities or one of the many other charities that deserve our attention. For information on how you can contribute to any of these organizations, please visit their websites. We hope you enjoy this season of giving.
Leave a Reply