Holiday Surprise: Love’s Corporate Departments Team Up for Toy Giveaway at Ridgeview Elementary

There's nothing quite like watching a child's face light up when they get a new toy. On Friday, some of our corporate employees took time out of their day to spread the holiday joy during Love's first toy giveaway at Ridgeview Elementary. The school is a short distance away from Love's main corporate campus in Oklahoms City, Oklahoma.

Groups of students, from pre-K through sixth grade, were surprised to see hundreds of toys stacked on tables in their multipurpose room.

"These kids don't have a lot," said Jenny Love Meyer, Love's vice president of communications. "To be able to give them a toy and see the excitement on their faces is really fulfilling."

Each of the 335 kids got to pick what they wanted: from stuffed animals, baby dolls and toy trucks to skateboards and "Star Wars" games.

"This is just overwhelming," said Michael Lisenby, Ridgeview Elementary principal, "I can't even describe what this means to the kids."

Love's community relations team organized the giveaway and worked with the merchandise department to get the toys, many of which are sold at our Love's locations. Before the giveaway, employees from both departments organized the toys according to age group, so every child could see their options.

"The kids were just so thankful," said Stacy Flaherty, Love's merchandising assistant. "It was precious to see."

The giveaway is the first of what's expected to be a holiday tradition at Ridgeview Elementary.

"It was so heartwarming to see the kids pick a toy and to know every kid in the school had that blessing is awesome," said David Barnhill, Love's category manager.

This is just part of the positive impact Love's and our employees have had on the students there. Love's also sponsors a tutoring program and a Little Library for students and the surrounding neighborhood.

"This partnership wouldn't be possible without our employees and this is validation that we've got Great People Who Care at our home office," said Love Meyer.