What started out as a small-scale holiday donation drive for one online vehicle auction company has now scaled into a corporate-wide initiative.

For the past few years, a few of Copart’s 180 locations have independently donated to Toys for Tots, a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Program that collects and distributes toys to less fortunate children.

This December, however, Copart took the spirit of giving to the next level with corporate communications encouraging all Copart locations to participate.

Hundreds of Copart employees across several states contributed new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations. Copart Headquarters in Dallas alone collected more than 500 toys, as well as raised a few hundred dollars through the First Annual Copart Cookie Challenge and additional department-specific fundraisers.

Giving to Toys for Tots was not just a Copart employee effort, though. For many Copart locations, the whole family became involved.

“Several people brought their spouses and children to the Toys for Tots Warehouse to help sort, bag and distribute toys,” says Felicia Harris-Russell, Office Manager at Copart Atlanta East. “We all had a blast, especially the kids!”

“My father-in-law was an active Marine for 26 years. This toy drive is very close to his heart and ours,” says Rebecca Matthews, a Yard Agent at Copart Atlanta East. “I am very proud of my girls and how hard they worked sorting the toys. It feels great to give back and do something good as a family.”

Copart prides itself in giving back to the community and supporting charities, such as Toys for Tots, that are making a difference in people’s lives.

“I’ve seen the immense joy a child gets from receiving a new soccer ball or stuffed animal during the holidays,” says Copart Online Marketing Manager Jeff Johnston. “Every kid deserves a Christmas gift, and Toys for Tots helps make that happen.”

To learn more about Copart in your community and nationwide, visit TeamCopart.com.