RTD employees and contractors present 14th annual Operation Give-a-Gift

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) and its contractors shared the spirit of the season with four service organizations in the metro area as a part of the agency’s annual Operation Give-a-Gift event. 

Over 2,400 employee-donated gifts were presented to clients of the Denver Inner City Parish, Colorado State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons, Brookshire House and Warren Village.

Operation Give-a-Gift is an annual RTD program created by RTD fourteen years ago.  Over the years the program has grown substantially, with 2014 being the biggest year yet. 

“RTD truly believes in giving back to the community that we serve every day of the year,” said Phil Washington, RTD CEO and general manager. “Operation Give-a-Gift is our opportunity to help local organizations and make a small difference in the lives of those in need during the holiday season.” 

Each year, RTD selects nonprofit agencies in the region that provide a broad spectrum of services to the community. The agencies make available their wish lists and RTD employees and contractors donate items to fulfill the lists. These lists include items for infants through seniors and include clothing, toys, gift cards and more. Items are collected for a month and the program culminates in an event to deliver the gifts.

This year, guests from each of the organizations attended a special luncheon hosted by RTD at the Downtown Aquarium where they received the gifts and enjoyed a performance by the Colorado Ambassadors of Gospel and a surprise visit from Santa Claus and his elves.

Denver Transit Partners, Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Jacobs Engineering, Paul Wedlake Photography and the Colorado Ambassadors of Gospel for sponsoring the event.