On Friday, December 15, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh joined SYSCO Albany at its headquarters in Halfmoon to celebrate the company’s extremely successful efforts collecting donations for Capital Region Toys for Tots’ annual holiday toy drive. Representatives from the charity were on hand to pick up the nearly 1,000 toys collected from SYSCO’s employees. The generous donations will directly benefit less fortunate children across the Capital Region.

Additionally, SYSCO Albany has announced that it will be matching its employees’ donations this year; a commitment that will ensure even more children will have their holiday wishes granted thanks to the organization’s generosity.

After Wednesday’s celebratory donation pick-up event, Assemblywoman Walsh, who also collected contributions for Toys for Tots at her offices in Albany and Ballston Spa, took a moment to laud both SYSCO Albany and Capital Region Toys for Tots for the two organizations’ proven commitment to helping those in need.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank SYSCO Albany and its employees, along with Capital Region Toys for Tots, for embracing the giving spirit of the holiday season, and working together to bring joy to those in need,” said Walsh. “We are so lucky to have these two dedicated and generous organizations in our community, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this beneficial partnership.”

“Thanks to the generosity of donors like SYSCO Albany, Capital Region Toys for Tots is poised to deliver holiday cheer to upwards of 200,000 local children this year,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Lurenz, a Retired U.S. Marine and representative of Toys for Tots. “Our organization’s mission is to provide a toy for every child in need, and partnerships such as these go a long way in helping us achieve that goal.”

“As one of the capital district’s largest employers, SYSCO Albany believes it is important to be a visible part of the community year-round,” said SYSCO Albany President Mike Pilkington. “The holidays invoke a heightened spirit of giving among our employees and our customers as together we support great organizations like Toys for Tots. Collectively, we are proud to contribute 10 pallets of toys to brighten the holidays for children in need this year.”

Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots is a not-for-profit public charity run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. For more information on how to get involved, including details on how to request a toy and additional donation locations, please visit the Capital Region Toys for Tots website.