TechOps delivers holiday cheer with record bike and toy donations

On Dec. 10, Delta TechOps celebrated the holidays in a big way by presenting a record 2,123 bikes, over 3,000 new toys and a check for $50,000 from Delta to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation Atlanta affiliate at a festive event at the TechOps Hangar in Atlanta. It was a record-breaking year with Delta exceeding both its bike and toy donation goals.

“This event truly embodies the spirit of TechOps. It’s not just about donating funds – year after year, our teams are proud to roll up their sleeves and build these bikes with care,” said David Thompson, SVP of Delta TechOps. “Walking through the shops and seeing rows of bikes ready for local children is a powerful reminder of the generosity and teamwork that define us, not only during the holidays but throughout the year.”

In addition to the Bike Drive, Delta G.O. employees from 16 departments across the business collected 3,036 toys this season to donate to Toys for Tots in Atlanta.

“We are deeply grateful to Delta Air Lines and its incredible team members for their extraordinary support as they proudly return for their 14th consecutive year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Program,” said retired Marine Lt. Gen. James B. Laster, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Delta’s heartfelt bike and toy drives and generous contributions perfectly reflect the community service goals the Marine Corps has promoted for over 78 years through the Toys for Tots Program. Because of Delta’s partnership, we will be able to deliver hope, smiles and Christmas magic to less fortunate children across America."

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 offers disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing books to enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. Delta contributes $775,000 annually to Toys for Tots at the national level and in select focus market chapters with Toys for Tots toy drives held annually in many locations systemwide. 

Delta TechOps JFK, SLC, BOS and SEA teams spread holiday cheer

From Seattle to Salt Lake City, Boston to JFK, TechOps teams came together to host Holiday in the Hangar events, build bikes and collect toys for children in need. “These efforts show that no matter where we are, Delta people share the same commitment to making a difference in their communities,” said Thompson.

At JFK, the Delta TechOps team hosted its Holiday in the Hangar event in partnership with the Community Mayors for Children with Special Needs, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) dedicated to creating opportunities for mentally and physically challenged children to experience and enjoy numerous activities designed to accommodate their needs and lift their spirits. Over 4,000 children from all over New York filled the JFK hangar and Santa Claus rode in on Delta aircraft to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. This cross-divisional, community event is one the team looks forward to every year.

BOS celebrated its 11th Holiday in the Hangar with Make-A-Wish and Boston Children’s Hospital — the team’s largest event to date, welcoming more than 900 guests. This beloved tradition began in 2009 after the Delta-Northwest merger and continues to bring joy to families each holiday season.

Generosity was on full display: BOS employees donated enough toys to fill six bag carts, prompting an extra drop-off at Boston Children’s Hospital. Over 100 volunteers from every division pitched in to make the day unforgettable.

SEA TechOps has supported the local Toys for Tots chapter for 12 years, building and delivering bikes to children in need. This year, in honor of Delta’s centennial, the team raised enough to purchase 100 bikes — a record contribution.

The team also plays a key role in Holiday in the Hangar, a tradition since 2011 that gives families a magical “flight to the North Pole.” Kids receive gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy crafts, games, model trains, Flight Deck tours and photos from Santa’s sleigh to inside a plane engine. Guests meet athletes from the Seahawks, Sounders and Sea Wolves, while enjoying fire engine tours and canine demos from the Port of Seattle teams. 

Employees make this event possible by donating gifts and volunteering. This year, Seattle TechOps partnered with the YMCA of Kent, Washington, to spread even more holiday joy.

In SLC, the TechOps team hosted its 12th and largest Holiday in the Hangar event for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The team donated 130 gifts for patients and their families and raised $105,000 to give to Primary Children’s Hospital. SLC’s Toys for Tots bike drive team bought, built and donated 120 bikes thanks to over $5,500 in employee donations.

These are just a few examples of the incredible volunteer work and holiday events hosted by Delta divisions and teams across the system. Whether it’s supporting Toys for Tots, partnering with local charities, or volunteering time and talent, Delta people prove that no one better connects the world, starting with our communities.