PACU Lending Hosts Toy Drive for Winston-Salem's Police and Fire

In the spirit of holiday giving, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union’s Lending Department organized a toy drive for the Winston-Salem Police and Fire departments.  

Lisa Davis, a lending underwriter, came up with the idea to do a toy drive when the department's team members discussed their plans for the office Christmas decorating contest. They decided to go with a Santa’s workshop theme. That’s when Lisa had the idea to bring Santa’s workshop to life by spearheading a toy drive for families in need in the community.

The Advantage Way and Home Road branches collected toys from employees and community members for over a month. When the toy drive ended on December 10, PACU had two large boxes overflowing with donated toys.

“I am so grateful for what we received and to all who donated,” Lisa said. “I am proud our PACU team and members were able to help kids have a better Christmas this year.”

Mortgage Lending Supervisor Heather Garcia said she is proud to work at a credit union that cares about its community. “I am honored that we could partner with the local police and fire departments to help families this holiday season.”

Tiera Noel, Aniya Martin and Retired Officer CJ Morgan from the Winston-Salem Police Department came to the Advantage Way branch to pick up the donated toys.

“I was on the force for 30 years, but I loved it so much that I came back part-time,” Retired Officer Morgan said. “Now I work in Community Engagement and get to do the heartwarming stuff like this.”

While on the job, police officers identify and note families that may need extra assistance around the holidays and refer them to the police department's Community Engagement Committee. The committee then organizes toy drives and other events while gathering donations to give back to these families.

If you would like to host a toy drive this year or next, contact the Winston-Salem Police Department’s Community Engagement Committee.