Seven CES Branches Come Together to Collect Coats for the Salvation Army
As it got colder heading into the winter season, City Electric Supply District Manager Gary Tubbs was thinking about families without coats to keep them warm. He wanted to do something about it — so he did. He brought seven CES branches in the Charlotte area together to join over 40 other businesses in collecting coats for those in need for the 10th annual Charlotte Coat Drive hosted by Charlotte Mechanical.
Coats for Charlotte Mechanical
“I heard about it on the radio,” said Tubbs. “Hearing kids’ voices on there — it pulls at your heartstrings. When you hear kids talking about their families not being able to afford coats? That’s what spoke to me. I knew Charlotte Mechanical since they are one of our customers, so I reached out to them.”
All of the proceeds and coats went to the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. Area Commander for the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte Major Todd Mason believes they were needed this year more than ever.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread impacts on our community, and lower-income families are feeling its effects the most,” said Mason.
“At Charlotte Mechanical, we are dedicated to doing our part to ensure that those in our community who are most vulnerable have warm coats to get them through the cold season,” added Charlotte Mechanical Install Coordinator Britni Honeycutt.
Tubbs and the seven CES branches that participated worked hard, but the decision to help was easy.
“It wasn’t a hard decision to make because it was something everybody could get on board with,” said Tubbs. “I think I can speak for everyone when I say it felt like the right thing to do. 2020 has been an unbelievable, crazy year. I think everyone is looking for something to rally behind and support that’s a good cause. It’s about a community coming together.”
A Hand from CES Cares
And they did. CES was able to collect around 200 coats that helped Charlotte Mechanical reach 4,023 altogether.
“This was Charlotte Mechanical’s 10th year of doing this, and we’ll definitely be participating again next year — you can count on it,” said Tubbs.
Something else you can count on? CES Cares will be right there to help. CES Cares serves as the umbrella for all of City Electric Supply’s philanthropic, charitable, and volunteer efforts. That being said, this is exactly the sort of thing they strive to support.
“CES Cares helps take a lot of the stress out of doing something like this, making it a lot easier,” said Tubbs.
While Tubbs is glad to have CES Cares, CES Cares is glad to have people like Tubbs. City Electric Supply is proud of all of the employees that devote their time and energy to giving back to their communities.
“CES Cares is so proud of the work that Gary and his team are doing,” added CES Social Impact Manager Karen Gray. “They truly represent what CES Cares is about — giving back to the community. We are here to support all our branches and the generous work they do in their communities.”
To Gary Tubbs and all of the branches that participated in this noble effort, we say thank you — and see you next year!