Every Child Deserves a Little Christmas

We Christmas elves are all abuzz here at BURKE! This past Tuesday night, BURKE employees partnered with the U.S. Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 451 and Toys & Co. in the Cotswold Village Shopping Center to bring the joy of Christmas to underprivileged children living right here in Mecklenburg County.

Since 2010, our nonprofit 501c3 A Big Heart Foundation, Inc.has given over a quarter of a million dollars to the Marine Toys for Tots Program and other charities throughout the Carolinas, and this year was no different. On Tuesday night the Marines loaded up a truckload of toys to take back to their warehouse to be delivered to families in our area who have applied for assistance. The Marine Toys for Tots program has been delivering hope since 1947. Since that time, they have distributed 548 million toys and supported 251 million children – A Big Heart Foundation is proud to be a part of that!

Last Tuesday, we were also excited to host children currently living at Hope Haven, Inc. for this fourth year in a row. This year the nineteen children ranged in age from 7 months old to 12 years old. Parents were given a $200 gift card for each child to spend on their Christmas gifts. Meanwhile, each child was given a $30 gift card of their own to spend on something to take home that night. The kids were so excited to shop that it was easy for the parents to keep their Christmas presents a surprise!

Toys & Co. made the cheer spread farther by graciously providing a 20% discount for every toy purchased that night. We are so grateful for our partners and sponsors, without whom we would not be able to accomplish all we do!

Stay tuned for the video of our 2018 shopping spree!