On December 10, Delta TechOps marked the holiday season by donating a record 2,123 bikes and over 3,000 new toys to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s Atlanta affiliate. The event, held at the TechOps Hangar in Atlanta, also included a $50,000 check from Delta Air Lines. This year’s contributions surpassed previous records for both bike and toy donations.
David Thompson, Senior Vice President of Delta TechOps, said: “This event truly embodies the spirit of TechOps. It’s not just about donating funds – year after year, our teams are proud to roll up their sleeves and build these bikes with care. Walking through the shops and seeing rows of bikes ready for local children is a powerful reminder of the generosity and teamwork that define us, not only during the holidays but throughout the year.”
In addition to efforts by TechOps, employees from 16 departments within Delta G.O. collected more than 3,000 toys for donation to Toys for Tots in Atlanta.
Retired Marine Lt. Gen. James B. Laster, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, expressed appreciation: “We are deeply grateful to Delta Air Lines and its incredible team members for their extraordinary support as they proudly return for their 14th consecutive year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Program. Delta’s heartfelt bike and toy drives and generous contributions perfectly reflect the community service goals the Marine Corps has promoted for over 78 years through the Toys for Tots Program. Because of Delta’s partnership, we will be able to deliver hope, smiles and Christmas magic to less fortunate children across America.”
Delta continues its role as Airline Partner of Toys for Tots and National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The literacy initiative aims to provide books that help disadvantaged children improve reading skills and communication abilities. Annually, Delta donates $775,000 nationally and in select markets through various toy drives.
TechOps teams across multiple locations participated in similar events this season. At JFK airport in New York City, Holiday in the Hangar was organized with Community Mayors for Children with Special Needs; over 4,000 children attended as Santa arrived on a Delta aircraft.
Boston (BOS) hosted its largest Holiday in the Hangar event yet alongside Make-A-Wish and Boston Children’s Hospital—welcoming more than 900 guests since beginning this tradition after merging with Northwest Airlines in 2009.
In Seattle (SEA), employees have supported local Toys for Tots chapters by building bikes each year; this time raising enough funds to donate 100 bikes—a record contribution coinciding with Delta’s centennial anniversary celebrations.
Salt Lake City (SLC) saw its biggest Holiday in the Hangar event benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; employees donated gifts valued at $105,000 to Primary Children’s Hospital along with assembling 120 bikes from employee contributions.
These activities reflect ongoing volunteer work by different divisions at Delta Air Lines aimed at supporting charitable causes during holidays nationwide.
