“Each year, HMA associates show their giving spirit in the annual Toy and Food Drive and this year was no different,” said Fran Pope, HMA special events coordinator. “Agencies in each of HMA’s surrounding counties were able to benefit from out associates’ kindness again this year, and we hope these food items and gifts will help provide a happy holiday for many families and children.”

During just a two-week period, Honda associates filled 17 large bins of games, canned goods, guitars, life-sized dolls, basketballs, action figures and toy trucks to be distributed to non-profit agencies in HMA’s surrounding five counties.

Some groups even chose to put the “Power of Teams” in motion to help bring a bright and happy holiday to area families this season. The Stamping Department joined together to deliver 21 bicycles for boys and girls, bringing the final bike count to 51 total.

And associates in Line 2 Powertrain Assembly Head Line opened a bank account after last year’s Toy and Food Drive and associates donated a little money each week throughout the year. Together, the group raised $4,000 to spend on toys and food.

“It is wonderful to see the departments come together, set the goal to provide a holiday full of food and gifts for families in need and really make it happen,” Pope said. “The bicycles and all the toys and food donated will make this season a special one for so many people.”

Associates again had a chance to nominate organizations they would like to see receive the donations. A total of seven agencies across HMA’s primary five-county hiring area were each able to receive a generous amount of items from the associates’ large collection.

Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center in Calhoun county; Charity Pig Roast and The Love Center in Etowah county; Lincoln Fire and Police in Talladega county; The Christian Love Pantry in St. Clair county; and The Lovelady Center and Pathways in Jefferson county were all able to receive toys and food thanks to the generous donations.