ViacomCBS, Citi and AIG Virtually Make a Difference!
It was wonderful to see that ViacomCBS, Citi and AIG quickly recognized the value our virtual toy collection and cleaning programs would bring to their employee volunteers. They included the Second Chance Toys program in their event lineups and the results were a resounding success!
Viacom CBS Virtual Community Day
ViacomCBS is no stranger to our programs. They have been a corporate supporter of Second Chance Toys since 2013. Through the years, they have diverted tens of thousands of pounds of plastic from landfills through various toy cleaning events, as well as their own internal toy collections. Importantly, ViacomCBS has singlehandedly been responsible for tens of thousands of toys getting into the hands of children in need.
For this year's Virtual Community Day, 30 ViacomCBS employees and their children signed up to participate. We arranged for donation of the almost 100 toys they collected, to the DC National Guard Families. Additionally, one event participant in California, with huge outdoor toys including a playhouse, sandbox, and kitchenette, was able to donate them as we matched her with an organization nearby. According to Adam Robinson, VP, Corporate Social Responsibility, "Our employees were so happy to have an experience that taught their kids and families the importance of reuse and giving in a fun and personal way.”
On top of the amazing turnout and toys, ViacomCBS supports us with a generous grant in recognition of our programs! We are so grateful for their efforts and participation throughout the years and enjoy working with such an enthusiastic group. Thank you!!
Citi Global Community Day
Citi has been a corporate supporter of Second Chance Toys since 2018. Not only have they invited us to be a part of their annual Global Community Day, but they also conducted toy collections for the holidays in their NY headquarters. Citi volunteers and their children enjoy participation at our recycling center toy cleanings and have made it possible for thousands of toys to reach the hands of children in need.
For this year's virtual Global Community Day event, over 80 Citi volunteers signed up to participate and donated over 300 toys, which were then warehoused in collaboration with R. Cano Events and then distributed to two local organizations in Long Island City, NY courtesy of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Reem Aliessa, Citi Volunteers Program Manager, commented: "Our volunteers were enthusiastic about the program because it engaged their children at home and taught them about sustainability, the environment and the importance of keeping plastic out of landfills."
In addition to their consistent participation with our programs, Citi supports us with generous funding. Thank you, Citi, for your efforts and for helping us further our mission! We are so grateful.
AIG Global Volunteer Month
We joined forces with AIG volunteers during their Global Volunteer Month in April, which was entirely virtual this year. We engaged over a dozen volunteers and their children in a virtual toy drive and clean up. Pamella Rodrigues, Director of Corporate Citizenship, stated, "This event provided AIG colleagues and their children with the opportunity to do something positive together from the safety of their homes while caring for the environment. It also sparked many conversations about the importance of giving back. It is never too early to teach our kids the value of community service and empathy.”
The 134 toys were sent to a central location and then distributed, courtesy of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, to one of our participating organizations in West Orange, NJ. Thank you, AIG for recognizing the value of our mission. We look forward to working with you in the future.
