The season of giving has already begun, as many events hope to drum up support for their respective missions. Numerous groups, organizations, and individuals, are seeking donations of goods and services to help those in need. Toy drives are no different, particularly with the sad thought of children not receiving any gifts during the holidays.
One local businessman has taken an annual fundraising event and expanded its reach during its short tenure. Bob Salvas of Momentum Networking recently hosted the “Businesses Give Back” event at The Guild Brewery in Pawtucket, to collect as many toys for area families as possible. His goal this year of getting 1,000 toys was lofty, but he believed it was attainable. After all, his 2023 drive brought in 750 toys from individuals and companies. At night’s end, Salvas and friends collected nearly 1,050 toys for local families in need. Gifts were then picked up by the U.S. Marines, as part of its annual Toys for Tots campaign.
CSC Paymaster served as the event’s primary sponsor, along with many other sponsors.
Salvas said that the event keeps growing, as more people come out to help others.
“This event keeps getting bigger and better for two reasons. First, the level of support from area small businesses that have stepped up and contributed their time and resources to make this successful. Second, the community has come out and supported this drive for years. It’s truly a group effort that enables us to put smiles on children’s faces this Christmas and maybe a sigh of relief for their parents. I am honored to have so many people here to celebrate a great cause,” Salvas said.
CSC Paymaster saw the event as an opportunity to give back to the community. They have been involved with other endeavors ranging from “Adopt-a-Family” programs, to support local charity events.
Steven Truesdale, President & CEO of CSC Paymaster, said that after six decades of being supported by this incredible community, they chose to step up themselves by sponsoring one of Rhode Island’s largest Toys for Tots drives.
“This is our first time partnering with Bob Salvas and Toys for Tots, and it’s a powerful way for us to say, ‘thank you’ to a community that has made it possible for us to thrive as a local business,” Truesdale said. “Each donation is more than a gift to less-fortunate children—it’s a heartfelt way of giving back to the community that has been the foundation of our company for so many years. This initiative builds on the giving efforts we’ve undertaken in the past and represents a deepened commitment to those around us. We hope that by taking on this role, we’ll inspire others to join in making a difference.”
The Warwick-based payroll company believes it is their responsibility to help others when the opportunity exists. They are hopeful this partnership will continue growing.
“For us, giving back is a way of honoring the local support we’ve received—it’s important to be a part of something bigger and make this season brighter for those around us.
“Every toy collected is a child smiling,” Truesdale said.
Festivities included a delicious buffet provided by Bugg’d Out BBQ, music provided by The StrumDawgs (with a surprise guest appearance from Betty Galligan), craft brews, networking and collecting donations for the U.S. Marines.
Salvas estimated that several hundred people attended the event. He set up registration early, so they could have a count. What he believes happened—not that it was an issue—was people coming to The Guild as a last-minute plan. For anyone who did not bring at least one new, unused toy, Salvas said that they accepted cash donations at the door.
As Salvas mentioned, it took an army of companies to make this event possible. He cited the following businesses for their contributions:
Residential Construction Workforce Partnership, Graphix Plus, PuroClean, Englund Studio, Unconventional Productions, W. Parmentier Photography, Triforce Advisors, Josh Vanada Coaching, Berg’s Eye Communications, Builder’s Insurance Group, and Trust Networking.
Bob explained why he got involved with this endeavor and why he keeps pushing it forward.
“This event began as an idea by my friend, Dan Edmonds. He had the idea for people who came to his Networking event around this time of year to bring a gift, instead of cash. It started to grow before Dan sadly passed away, in 2020. When the world was able to meet again after the pandemic, I initially did this as a one-time thing. However, people wanted to see this happen every year. So, in wanting to keep Dan’s memory alive and help others, I continue doing this event to achieve both goals,” he said.
Bob is already planning for next year’s event – coming in November 2025!
