PHILADELPHIA,
PA-Going against the grain of declining contributions in
the weak economy, PHA delivered toys to 806 children from this
year's annual Toys for Tots
event.
That's more children served than at any
point since the program was launched in 2001 by Tenant Support
Services, Inc.
TSSI Director Asia Coney says the
annual event is a godsend for the families. "We do this to kind of
show the children that somebody cares and to help the parents feel
just a little bit less sad about not having what they normally
have," said Coney.
PHA managers from sites throughout the
city gathered at Abbottsford Homes in East Falls to take sacks of
goodies back to the lucky families at their properties. The
families are chosen based on need.
Just how many toys TSSI can provide
depends on money raised at PHA's annual holiday party fund-raiser.
Employees paid $30 a ticket to attend that event on December
5.
"This year, we saw a tremendous
outpouring of generosity from our employees in supporting these
kids through their ticket purchases. We feel fortunate to be in a
position to serve low-income families every day through our work,
but it also feels good to help in a different way at this time of
year," said PHA executive director Carl Greene.
Each child received at least three toys.
In addition, their families received a $25 Shop Rite coupon toward
holiday dinner.
Aside from employee contributions,
corporate sponsors also bought tables and contributed to the
drive.
One major sponsor this year was HAPCO (The
Homeowners Association of Philadelphia), which represents landlords
who serve the Housing Choice Voucher program. HAPCO's gift of
$2,500 went toward presents for families in the voucher
program.
Tenant Support Services is a
non-profit subsidiary of PHA, specializing in services for
residents.
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A little boy generates some holiday cheer as he tells Santa
what he wants for Christmas.
HAPCO President Victor Pinckney, Sr., and HAPCO board member
Joseph Thomas laugh along with PHA Assistant Executive Director of
Operations, Carolyn Carter. |
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TSSI Director Asia Coney tells Santa Claus what she wants for
Christmas.
She says the annual Toys for Tots event is a godsend for poor
families.
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A little girl visits with Santa at the Toys for Tots
celebration.
"We feel fortunate to be in a position to serve low-income
families every day through our work, but it also feels good to help
in a different way at this time of year," said PHA executive
director Carl Greene.
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