ORLANDO, Fla. – More than 100 hospitality businesses teamed up with the I-Drive District on Tuesday as thousands of gifts were donated to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program.
For the 17th year in a row, volunteers packed an I-Drive Trolley with clothes, shoes, bikes and toys for families in need.
"It’s one of the staff’s favorite projects and we could not do it without the enthusiastic support and commitment from our industry,” I-Drive District executive director Luann Brooks said.
In all, gifts were purchased for more than 800 children for the 2018 holidays.
"More than 75 percent of the participants also went a step further and generously fulfilled the child's 'wish' and provided bikes, toys and electronic games," Brooks said. "It’s what the season is all about and it is a wonderful way for anyone to help a family in need."
Before the conclusion of Tuesday's event, the Salvation Army was presented with a $1,500 donation from Mears Transportation and a $1,500 donation from the I-Drive District.
Officials said the money would be used to purchase gifts for "forgotten angels."
The I-Drive District began participating in the program in 2002 with the objective of providing new clothing for as many children as possible whose families registered for holiday assistance.