Perdue Farms associates in Salisbury, Md., continued a decades-long partnership with the local Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts for children and families through the non-profit’s annual Angel Tree Program, helping ensure children and families across Maryland’s Lower Shore receive gifts during the holidays.

This year, 1,237 children in Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties benefited from the Angel Tree Program, with Perdue associates adopting 538 children – providing bikes, toys, clothing and books to help fulfill Christmas wish lists.

Major Dr. Colin Devault, who has served with the Salvation Army for 40 years, highlighted the impact of the partnership. “Perdue Farms is the first company I’ve seen donating at this level,” he said. “The impact Perdue has created through the Angel Tree Program is truly amazing.”

Associates and volunteers gathered at the Salvation Army in Salisbury to organize and deliver donations, filling the gymnasium with bags of gifts collected through the Angel Tree program. Over the past two weeks, four trucks brought donations from Perdue Farms headquarters to the Salvation Army, and families are scheduled to pick up gifts in the coming days.

Joe Calloway, a Perdue Transportation driver for 17 years with the company, delivered toys to the Salvation Army for his third consecutive year. “I like seeing the joy it brings to children,” Calloway said. “Life can be rough at times, and it means a lot to help bring some joy during the holidays.”

In addition to toy donations, Perdue Farms is also providing 1,000 holiday chicken roasters to help support local families during the holiday season.

Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, said, “Perdue associates have big hearts, and we understand the importance of meeting needs in our communities. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in bringing hope and joy to children during this season of giving.”

This initiative is part of Perdue Farms’ Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors outreach, which focuses on strengthening communities and improving quality of life where Perdue associates live and work.

Source: Perdue Farms