Oncor employees across the company joined together this year for a modified tradition of annual Christmas giving to local nonprofits and families in need. From Wichita Falls to Round Rock and from Tyler to West Texas, teams carried on the giving tradition. 

“It was a special time for giving this year,” said Distribution Services Advisor Sr. Kathy Isaacks in Wichita Falls. “We were proud to provide Christmas gifts for the children of CASA and also hold a foodless food drive for the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank. Thanks to everyone for helping make Christmas brighter this year for families in need.” 

In Wichita Falls, employees “adopted” 44 children from the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Red River Angel Tree program.

Employees donated toys, books, clothes, games and other items listed on each child’s wish list. Alongside the CASA donation drive, employees also raised money for the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.  

In Tyler, employees at the Tyler Service Center worked with the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Smith County. This year’s gift giving event coordinator Amber Freeman, Administrative Assistant at the Oncor Tyler Service Center, connected with the CAC after working on a project for one of the education classes she was taking earlier this year. After learning more about the issues facing the CAC children, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Freeman shared this information with her team members at work to inspire them to join the holiday giving program.

"Our employees had a profound reaction to the information I shared,” said Freeman. “Even with some employees not currently working in the office, they participated by donating money for the gifts, and our Oncor elves did the shopping. I am proud to say these children do not have to live in the darkness of their past as Oncor helps to shine a light on the path for their bright future.”

The CAC gave the Tyler Service Center employees the names of four children needing donations. After surpassing all the items on those four wishlists, Freeman asked CAC if any others were in need. While all children of the CAC donation program had been assigned, Oncor was able to help another child who received fewer items from their list. In total, the Tyler Service Center team helped five children from three different families for this year’s holiday gift drive.

Employees in Corsicana and surrounding communities attended the outdoor Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff event to promote and support the Red Kettle campaign that raises funds for families in need.

“The Salvation Army and other local leaders, including a large number of business owners, joined efforts to promote and support the kick off for the 2020 Red Kettle Campaign,” said Corsicana Area Manager Ignacio Vazquez. “We are all in this together and our generosity is needed more than ever.

“Donations help provide the essential gifts of food, shelter and hope to those hurting right here in our local communities,” he said. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local needs have increased and the number of families struggling during this holiday season have grown significantly compared to previous years.”

The iconic red kettles are set up outside of stores across the community to help raise money for those in need this holiday season. 

U.S. Rep. Ron Wright was the guest speaker at the Corsicana kickoff event. The local Salvation Army organization hopes to provide Christmas for 800 children and families, an increase of more than 100 from last year.

Thanks to all Oncor employees who eagerly participate in multiple holiday giving programs throughout the communities we serve. From the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, to CASA donation programs and Toys for Tots toy drives, employees selflessly give back to their communities and look forward to helping make the holidays brighter for everyone each year.

Check out more photos of our employees participating in this year’s holiday giving programs in their communities here.