As the holidays draw near, PFMA members are rolling up their sleeves to help their communities. Through food drives, toy donations, and countless acts of kindness, these organizations are making sure no one is left behind this season. Their efforts go beyond charity—they’re about neighbors helping neighbors and creating moments of joy in challenging times. Here’s a look at the heartfelt work they’re doing this year.
National Convenience Distributors (NCD): Supporting Families Through Food and Essential Donations
NCD employees in the Farmingdale office organized an internal food drive for Thanksgiving, collecting non-perishable items and essential supplies like razors, deodorant, and toothbrushes. These donations were delivered to The Inn Soup Kitchen, an organization dedicated to addressing hunger and homelessness.
For the holiday season, NCD expanded its efforts by facilitating donations to Family Service League and Toys of Hope. Employees used an Amazon wish list to purchase and ship items directly to those in need, including toys and household essentials. They also contributed money or dropped off items at donation sites.
AWG Cares Holiday Projects: Reaching Families Across the Country
AWG Support Centers across the country embraced the holiday spirit with various initiatives. In Kansas City, employees partnered with reStart Inc. to bring holiday joy to children in shelters. The Great Lakes Division supported Toys for Tots, while the Gulf Coast Division adopted a family through an Angel Tree program and gathered necessities for a nursing home.
In Nashville, employees fulfilled holiday wishes for children at a local elementary school and volunteered at the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Nebraska employees created holiday dinner boxes for families and donated toys and clothing to local children’s organizations. Other divisions hosted food and coat drives, organized charity raffles, and supported regional nonprofits.
AWG Cares Holiday Projects: Reaching Families Across the Country
AWG Support Centers across the country embraced the holiday spirit with various initiatives. In Kansas City, employees partnered with reStart Inc. to bring holiday joy to children in shelters. The Great Lakes Division supported Toys for Tots, while the Gulf Coast Division adopted a family through an Angel Tree program and gathered necessities for a nursing home.
In Nashville, employees fulfilled holiday wishes for children at a local elementary school and volunteered at the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Nebraska employees created holiday dinner boxes for families and donated toys and clothing to local children’s organizations. Other divisions hosted food and coat drives, organized charity raffles, and supported regional nonprofits.
Charley Family Shop ‘n Save:
Operation Santa Claus
For over four decades, the Charley Family Shop ‘n Save has participated in the Operation Santa Claus campaign, in collaboration with Trib Total Media and the Salvation Army. This initiative provides complete holiday dinners to thousands of families across Southwestern Pennsylvania. This year, the campaign aims to raise $50,000 to deliver meals to 2,500 families.
Bill Lipsky, Vice President of Shop ‘n Save Merchandising, emphasized the importance of supporting neighbors in need, particularly during the holidays. “The need for food assistance is stronger than ever, especially around the holidays, and we’re glad to be able to support our neighbors in need,” he said. Families receive groceries, including canned fruits and vegetables, boxed potatoes, pasta, snack crackers, and ham.
The GIANT Company: Nourishing Families with 15,000 Turkeys
The GIANT Company donated 15,000 turkeys to 24 food banks and community partners across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. This donation, equivalent to 125,000 servings of protein, ensures that families can celebrate the holiday with a nourishing meal.
“At The GIANT Company, we are thankful for our local food bank and pantry partners,” said John Ruane, president of The GIANT Company. GIANT employees also volunteered at food banks, packing hunger relief boxes and restocking shelves to meet the holiday demand.
Customers joined the effort by donating free turkey certificates or purchasing reusable bags, with proceeds benefiting regional food banks.
Brown’s Family ShopRite: Feeding Families Through Thanksgiving Baskets
The Brown’s Family ShopRite continued its tradition of assembling and distributing Thanksgiving baskets through the Urban Affairs Coalition. This program, now in its 41st year, provides holiday meals to 12,000 individuals or 2,000 families. Volunteers packed baskets with turkeys and side dish ingredients before distributing them to community organizations.
One community leader shared, “These holiday baskets provide families with a chance to enjoy a meal together and ease some of the burdens they face this time of year.” By collaborating with partners such as Keystone First Pennsylvania, Salem Baptist Church of Abington, and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, the program continues to make a meaningful impact on food insecurity in the region.
The Spirit of Giving
These efforts highlight the power of generosity and community spirit, particularly in Pennsylvania. PFMA members are more than just businesses—they are vital parts of their communities, stepping up to ensure that families in need have food on their tables and smiles on their faces. Their work touches lives in profound ways, bringing hope and comfort to those who need it most. This holiday season, their commitment to giving back serves as a reminder of what it means to truly care for one another.
