For the past seven years, TEP employees at the downtown Headquarters location have organized a holiday gift drive every November that benefits several local charities.

It began in 2013 when a handful of employees on the eighth floor organized a collection drive to benefit a few nonprofits. Since then, the holiday drive has grown to include nearly all of the floors of our 9-story building on Broadway Blvd.

This year, employees will carry on the tradition by collecting items needed by seven charities:  Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona; Emerge! Center Against Domestic Violence; Aviva Children’s Services; Arizona’s Children’s Association; Our Family Services; Ronald McDonald House; and Youth on Their Own.

Each floor selects a charity of their choice and collection boxes are placed in a central location on that floor. This year’s holiday drive runs Nov. 15 through mid-December.

“There is so much need in our community, and this is one way that TEP employees can have a direct, positive impact on someone’s life and bring them some joy during the holidays,” said Cheryl Gottshall, Outreach Project Coordinator in Community Relations.

Some of the items requested by the charities include new soft blankets, socks, nonperishable food, personal grooming items, home goods and linens, gift cards, and children’s toys, books and games.