It was British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who once said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." It is this spirit of giving that fills the air throughout the holiday season, bringing generous neighbors and partners to the doors of The Salvation Army in search of a way to make a lasting difference. One of those partners is PECO, whose devotion to serving those less fortunate ensures that many children in the Philadelphia region get the Christmas they so rightfully deserve.

In an effort to ensure every child had a toy to open on Christmas morning, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia worked with approximately 20 volunteers from PECO to sort and set up donated toys for families in need who then were able to pick up their toys at The Salvation Army Philadelphia Citadel Corps Community Center on Rising Sun Avenue in Lawncrest just in time for the holiday. With the volunteers help, The Salvation Army was able to distribute toys to hundreds of underprivileged children in neighborhoods surrounding the corps community center.

"As a corporate neighbor for many years, we thought about what we could do to help The Salvation Army," said Paul Rein, volunteer manager at PECO. "We were offered the Christmas toy sorting project at The Salvation Army Philadelphia Citadel Corps Community Center, and we never looked back. The PECO team is committed to helping The Salvation Army."

Throughout the years, PECO has been a dedicated partner to The Salvation Army, not only offering good-spirited and hardworking volunteers to help make a difference, but also supporting this year's Celebrate Hope Annual Luncheon with a $10,000 grant. Thanks to the generosity of PECO, The Salvation Army can continue to do the most good, for the most people, in the most need throughout our community.

"It gives me a warm and happy feeling of purpose inside, to know that I did something that evokes what the holidays are truly all about; doing for those less fortunate," said Victoria Monillas, volunteer manager at PECO. "It makes my heart smile to know that children had a smile on their faces come Christmas morning."