A dozen non-profit organizations received hundreds of dollars in gift cards, barrels of food, boxes of toys, pet supplies, and numerous household items through donations from employees. The annual tradition of TDS giving back wrapped up last week as items were sorted, packed, and delivered—just in time to spread holiday joy for those who need it most.
“The employee generosity here at TDS continues to grow each year, and it’s truly humbling to see how everyone gives back in the communities we serve,” said Drew Petersen, Senior Vice President of TDS Corporate Affairs.
The employees really do step it up during the holidays. For weeks, they’ve been filling bins with hundreds of donation items at the headquarters building in Madison, Wis. to help area non-profits, including:
But that’s not all. Giving also included support for these organizations:
- UW Health American Family Children’s Hospital received a monetary donation
- Second Harvest Foodbank received barrels of canned food along with a monetary donation
- Funding for the following food pantries: Badger Prairie Needs Network; Village of Belleville Food Pantry; Green Cares Food Pantry in Monroe. Wis.; Lussier Community Center Food Pantry in Madison, Wis.; Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM)
- Porchlight Angels program—employees donated cash, grocery cards and hand-selected gifts to 39 individuals and 12 families through the Porchlight Angels program (a photo of one of the five car trunks full of gifts is above!)
- Salvation Army—nearly 50 employees volunteered to ring bells for about 30 hours.
“Giving back is a huge part of our company’s culture and our employees really step it up this time of year,” said Petersen. “It’s a joy to see during the holidays, but really impressive to watch as it continues throughout the year.”
Beyond the donations in greater Madison area, here’s a sampling of how employees have also been busy around the country giving back:
Lewisport, Kentucky
TDS donated to the Lewisport Christmas Parade and its Miracle on Main Street toy giveaway project.
Lancaster, Wisconsin
TDS partnered with the WGLR Holiday Auction and provided telephones and six-line phone banks to the annual holiday auction event. The auction supports a family at Christmas who may need medical assistance, experienced a catastrophic event, or simply struggled to make ends meet this year. This action raised about $17,000 which will pay bills and/or buy groceries and other necessities for the chosen family.
Tennessee
We supported the Light the Park event in Hollis, Tennessee, along with sponsoring the Christmas Parade and a half marathon in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. TDS’ Country Christmas parade float entry, complete with Hee-Haw Barn and Tow Mater pulling the float, took first place in the Commercial Float award.
Whitestown, Indiana
TDS is a community partner of the Santa Parade in Whitestown. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Whitestown Municipal Complex and where kids can visit with him and meet his reindeer. Families receive a souvenir photo and children enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and a candy buffet. Santa will board a truck with the Whitestown Fire Department for the parade.
Winsted, Minnesota
Clicky and TDS employees participated in the Winterfest Parade in Winsted. TDS sponsored and volunteered with the children painting activities for the community event.
Guest blogger: Rhonda Hilmserhausen
