Bright House Networks Volunteers Play Santa for Central Florida Kids

Like Santa’s elves preparing for the big day, dozens of Bright House Networks employee volunteers in Central Florida spent weeks this fall preparing a list, checking it twice, and then wrapping gifts for hundreds of local children who otherwise would not experience the thrill of Christmas Day presents.

Bright House Networks volunteers donned Santa hats and turned their service vans into a fleet of Santa sleighs to deliver more than 1,900 presents, including dozens of bicycles, to 217 boys and girls on Dec. 12 and 13 as part of a ten-year tradition.

The gift convoy first stopped at Hope and Help Center of Central Florida’s main office in Winter Park, to distribute items 80 boys and girls who belong to HIV/AIDS-affected families and are clients of Hope and Help Center of Central Florida.

Employees prepare the dozens of new bicycles for delivery to local boys and girls

“The toys are overflowing the conference room and the bikes are up and down the hallway. There’s not a dry eye in the agency. There is indeed a special place in heaven for your employees!” said Maggie King, director of development, Hope and Help Center of Central Florida.

The gift delivery continued as the Bright House Networks volunteers also delivered gifts to 137 needy Orange County School students at Pine Hills Elementary, Lakeview Middle School, Tildenville Elementary, Bridgewater Middle School and Whispering Oaks Elementary.

The students, whose families are experiencing difficult situations, are selected with the help of Aleida Martinez, a social worker with Orange County Public Schools who manages the program.

What acts of holiday kindness have helped you get into the spirit of the season this year or in the past?