“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose.  And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows…”

This year, the holidays kicked into full gear with carols blasting across the radio waves before Thanksgiving and shoppers enjoying the season’s sales. 

But for TEPPCO Partners, L.P., the holiday season was about more than just a good deal.  As part of TEPPCO’s Volunteer Council initiatives, company employees embraced the season and spread their own holiday cheer. 

Many of the company’s employees donated time, effort and money to support a variety of community-based projects.

During the Thanksgiving season, employees at TEPPCO’s Houston location created boxes of food for the Women's Home and the DePelchin Children’s Center.  When TEPPCO formally created the Volunteer Council this year, the company adopted these two organizations and has supported them through a number of events.

“We asked all Houston employees to donate food, hoping to gather enough items to make eight meals,” said Pam Faircloth, chair of TEPPCO’s Volunteer Council.  “The response was overwhelming.  We received enough food and cash donations to fill 35 boxes.”

The boxes included all the necessary trimmings for a hearty and healthy Thanksgiving Day meal.  The Women’s Home received eight of the boxes and the remaining 27 went to the DePelchin Children’s Center. 

But the giving didn’t stop there.  Employees in Houston and Oklahoma got into the spirit by holding gifts drives for the DePelchin Children’s Center, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, Houston Area Women’s Center and Shidler Elementary School. 

For the fifth year, TEPPCO’s Oklahoma City office donated presents to students at Shidler Elementary School.  Employees purchase gifts for the students, and the children receive the presents at an annual holiday party.  In Houston, the staff sponsored more than 140 people in need.

Houston employees and their families also helped assemble bicycles for Elves & More, a local organization that donates more than 25,000 bikes a year to area children.

Finally, TEPPCO employees chipped in to create personal care packages for hospital and hospice patients.  Employees purchased common household items, like soap, shampoo and toothpaste.  Some staff members then donated their lunch hours to sew drawstring bags into which the items were placed.

“TEPPCO has a long history of service to the communities where we live and work, participating in activities such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Multiple Sclerosis Walkathon,” said Kathy Sauvé, director of Public and Media Relations.  “The Volunteer Council has solidified our commitment to the communities we serve.  We hope it encourages more volunteer participation and builds company spirit, this season and throughout the year.”