FRONT PORCH

If you had walked into the Human Resources offices of Southwest Florida’s premier private homebuilder, Neal Communities, two weeks ago, you might have thought you were in a toy store. The office was filled with more than 100 packages for local children who might not otherwise receive gifts this holiday season.

Those presents were purchased by Neal Communities’ employees as part of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Employees who wanted to participate chose an angel card from the tree and purchased gifts for that child. Sixty-two Neal team members joined the initiative, which has been an ongoing annual tradition and has provided presents for more than 1,000 children over the years.

Employees from Neal Communities South Region in Fort Myers and Naples also joined together to help children in need by donating toys to Toys for Tots. The toy drive is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to distribute gifts to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them. This is Neal Communities third year participating in Toys for Tots.

“Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays,” said Ivory Matthews, vice president of community and governmental affairs. “This is a way many of us can come together to help other local families enjoy the season a little more and lift the financial burden for families in need.”

In a statement sent out to employees, Pat Neal, founder and chairman of Neal Communities said, “All I want to say is thank you. Thank you for the culture of giving at Neal. Thank you for thinking of others besides ourselves. Thanks for helping to make this season happier for lots of boys and girls.”