When you think of the holidays, what comes to mind? For most of us, we think of gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate and snow. But more than anything, this is the season of giving back.

This year, Trintech chose to give back to Toys for Tots℠, an organization dedicated to brightening the lives of less-fortunate, and often impoverished, children.

Toys for Tots℠ was started in 1947 by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks. Eventually, the effort was picked up and established as a charity by the Marine Corps. Although based in America, the program extends to kids in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Every year, the Marines distribute an average of 18 million toys.

The Toys for Tots℠ campaign at Trintech kicked off post-Thanksgiving, with open donations of toys, and ran until mid-December’s fundraising event: Game Night. Trintechers participated in a Poker Tournament, where entry consisted of a “donation buy-in”. Prizes such as an Apple iPad, Amazon gift cards and paid time off were offered, if Trintechers made it to the final table.

By the end of the night, $660 in funds were raised and about 100-125 toys were collected.

“It was a great turnout,” Erin Peebles, a Customer Success Analyst who oversaw the campaign, said. “I am grateful and thankful of our coworkers who donated their money (and game time) for this event!”

Written by: Ashton Mathai