A group of Con-way Freight drivers got to play Santa to more than 1,000 children in Canton, Ohio this week.
Con-way partnered with the non-profit organization, Elves & More of Northeast Ohio, and other local businesses to pull off the event.
In total, 1,100 bikes and toddler gifts were handed out to the happy children.
This marks the 9th year Con-way Freight has partnered with Elves & More. 16 Con-way Freight trailers acted as Santa’s sleight to deliver the goodies. Nearly 100 volunteers helped deliver the gifts.
Each year, Con-way donates trucks to participate in the event. In addition, Con-way Freight employees volunteer for the annual “bike build” event the weekend before the bikes are delivered.
“Who can help but be moved by the sight of a child receiving his or her first bike?” said Tom Clark, senior vice president of operations for Con-way Freight. “My family and I participate in this event each year and seeing those smiling faces, knowing we helped in some small way to bring joy during this festive time of year is a wonderful feeling. As a company, participating in the communities where we live and work is a core part of our culture and we’re proud to once again pitch in and help this outstanding organization.”
Elves & More was established in 2006. That year, they assembled and passed out 400 bikes, said Elves & More founder, Tim House.
“This simply never gets old,” said House. “No matter how many years go by or how many bikes we give away, we’re rewarded every year by the delighted looks on the faces of these kids.”