Tuesday, December 24, 2024 The holiday season is about bringing joy, and Tampa International Airport (TPA) has delivered in a truly spectacular way. After weeks of collecting donations and shopping, TPA has shattered its own records, donating nearly 14,000 toys to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. This heartfelt effort marks the airport’s largest contribution ever, proving that when a community comes together, magic happens.
The airport’s employees and partners were the driving force behind this incredible achievement. From fundraisers to charity events, every toy represented a collective commitment to making the holidays brighter for local children. This extraordinary effort earned TPA the Commander’s Award, a recognition given to the top donor in the Tampa Bay area—a testament to the airport’s unwavering dedication to its community.
The spirit of giving started early among the employees of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which runs TPA. Familiar events like the annual Chili Cook-Off weren’t just about fun this year; they were about raising funds to spread holiday cheer. Armed with those funds, employees embarked on a massive shopping spree, filling carts at Wesley Chapel Target with more than 4,000 toys in a single morning.
For the team, it wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about imagining the smiles those toys would bring. But the joy didn’t stop there. Sheltair Aviation Services teamed up with Vick Tipnes of Tipnes Media Produ.
