PALM SPRINGS, California - This holiday season, local employees with the Transportation Security Administration at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) have proven it is “better to give than receive.”
TSA employees participated in a toy drive conducted in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert. This local non-profit that provides support to children living in the Coachella Valley with special and economic needs.
“The amazing generosity of the TSA team at PSP is making the holiday season brighter for the children of their community,” said TSA Lead Manager Clare Eacott. “TSA is grateful for the partnership with the Children’s Charity and the opportunity to share what we have with others who may be less fortunate.”
"Every year, Variety - the Children's Charity looks forward to partnering with the TSA employees at PSP for the annual toy drive. They go above and beyond in their generosity as they collect toys and gifts, said Heidi Maldoon, the charity’s executive director. “It is our privilege to have these gifts delivered to the children who need them most within our community. Thank you TSA for your generous hearts and for putting smiles onto the faces of children during the holiday season!"
Over the past few weeks, a toy collection station was set up at PSP and TSA employees donated new toys for children of all ages. California Highway Patrol’s “CHiPS for Kids program delivered the toys directly to the children in recent days.
The TSA team at PSP has participated in toy drives in the prior years, but this was by far the most successful year. The toy drive, which started in mid-November and continued until last week, resulted in about 40 toy items collected for donation.
Considering the challenges of this year, the TSA team at PSP worked extra hard to promote the drive and make a positive impact in their own community. This is the second year working with this specific charity, but giving back during the holiday season is something the team at PSP participates in each year.