Spirit of Giving

Wednesday December 19, 2012

The Tampa Bay Storm Picks up Gifts for Toys for Tots 

TAMPA BAY – Recently the Tampa Bay area media ran features about the low-level of donations to the Toys for Tots program this season. These stories pulled at the heart strings of members of the Storm staff.

The Tampa Bay Times reported on December 13 that “Toy donations are so low, Toys for Tots officials worry they won't have enough gifts for the estimated 40,000 boys and girls on their lists.”

Tampa Bay Storm owner and Chairman, Mr. Jeff Vinik, recently announced that he was going to give $75, funded by the Lightning Foundation, to all full-time Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment employees to use towards Christmas gifts for those less fortunate.

So the decision was made, by Storm president Derrick Brooks, to take a shopping trip to pick up toys and drop them off at the local Toys for Tots collection warehouse.

“Today was not just about giving away toys,” said Storm vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch. “It was about giving back to the community, and that’s what is important this time of year.”

Members of the front office and coaching staff took time out of their schedules to go shopping at a local Super Walmart. Each employee, armed with their $75, a $25 gift card donated by Walmart, and some of their own money, headed to the toy aisles.

“We’re a big part of this community,” said Storm head coach Dave Ewart. “We have to give back and we encourage others to do the same.”

For the Storm, and Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, this was just another way to show their continued support and commitment to the Tampa Bay Community.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Season tickets are available, for more information call 813.301.6600 or visit www.tampabaystorm.com. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.