Spreading Christmas Cheer One Toy at a Time

Among the festive celebrations and mounds of iced sugar cookies vehicles packed to the brim with hand-picked Christmas gifts are a common site at our HQ terminal this season. It’s our small, yet caring contribution to spread cheer to the unprivileged during the holidays. For the fourth consecutive year, we are honored to be partnering with XL 106.7 Baby Dj’s Toy Drive, founded to provide assistance to the economically disadvantaged in the Central Florida area. 

Working in collaboration with local companies, sponsors and nonprofits, Baby Dj’s Toy Drive seeks to provide impoverished families with a wonderful holiday experience for their children. Already, we have had numerous Oakley family members step up to the plate to donate, organize, and deliver gifts. However, two in particular stand out for their efforts.

As an advocate for Baby Dj’s radio station, HR Assistant Perry Oakley-House first brought the drive to Oakley Transport in 2014 and has championed the movement ever since. From conception to completion of the project, Perry has been instrumental in the entire process. Essentially, she acts as our designated Santa (subbing the sleigh for her SUV), checking twice that every present is properly packed and delivered so Christmas dreams can come true.

“I can’t image some of the pain and heartbreak these families are experiencing, especially families with small children. If there’s anyway we can help make the holiday season better for even one family, we are all in,” Perry says.

Perry Oakley-House organizes and helps deliver all of the toys donated to the toy drive

Keli Ragnarsson donated $600 worth of Love's Travel Stop points to purchase toys for the drive

As Oakley Transport’s holiday cheer meister, Perry utilized the HR staff to encourage the entire Oakley family to get behind the movement. “I think it helps all of us come together and become closer during the holiday season,” she says. “I’m so grateful for all the employees. They amaze me with their kindness and generosity.”

Amidst the participants, OTR driver Keli Ragnarsson is a beaming example of holiday spirit and a giving heart. Since 2010, Keli has devoted his entire Love’s Travel Stop points to purchase toys. This year, he spent $600 worth on gifts.

“I know [that] through Oakley, these toys are going to the right place,” he says. “If [I] can put put a smile on one child’s face, then [my] goal is achieved.”

When Keli isn’t generously donating his money for a greater cause, he loves to spread holiday cheer with the simple act of a smile.

“That is what Christmas is all about. You never know what other people are going through. Your smile could make a world of a difference,” Keli encourages.

In addition to Perry and Keli, we want to say a collective thank you to everyone who has offered their resources to spread Christmas cheer. We look forward to another wonderful outpouring of support to the local community.

If You Would Like To Donate:

• All donations are due to HR by Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018
• In exchange for one present, our employees will be allowed to wear jeans the week prior to Christmas (12/17/18-12/21/18).
• A donation of 5 presents or more and you can wear jeans the following week, too (12/24/18-12/28/18).
• For more information please contact hr@oakleytransport.com