Delta presented just over 1,200 bikes, over 1,200 new toys and a check for $50,000 to Toys for Tots at a festive, fun-filled event at Delta’s Atlanta TechOps facility.   

Hundreds of Delta people gathered on Dec. 6 at TechOps’ annual holiday event to celebrate the airline’s 19^th year in partnership with Marine Toys for Tots. As countless families are still struggling with challenges from the pandemic as well as record inflation, Delta people pitched in to make this holiday season one to celebrate for local Atlanta families. 

Throughout the year, members of the TechOps family raise funds to purchase the unassembled children’s bikes. Once the bikes are received, more than 30 shops throughout TechOps spend countless hours building bikes for local Atlanta youth. As tradition, leading up to the event, pink and blue bikes lined the halls of the TechOps facility. At the celebration, bikes were assembled in the shape of the Delta Widget with candy canes around it.   

“This event is extra special to our TechOps employees and is a longstanding tradition for the team. Our TechOps team works hard maintaining our aircraft to ensure a safe, reliable travel experience for our customers, but giving back to the community is also important to them,” said John Laughter, E.V.P., Chief of Operations & President, Delta TechOps. “During one of the busiest travel periods of the year, our aircraft maintenance technicians and aircraft support mechanics donated their extra time to assemble 1,200 bikes for children in need across Atlanta. Honestly, I can’t think of a more skilled or more giving group of people to do it.”

In addition to the bike drive, Delta people from across the airline’s business divisions collected toys to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Delta is proud to be the Airline Partner of Toys for Tots and a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Literacy Program. The Literacy Program's mission is to offer disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them with books to enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. Delta contributes more than $700,000 annually to Toys for Tots at the national level, and Toys for Tots toy drives are held annually in many locations systemwide.