St. Louis-based TRG Group, an international leader in the travel gear industry, participated in its second annual adoption of families from St. Louis’ 100 Neediest Cases last month.
With the help of the United Way and the “St. Louis Post-Dispatch,” the St. Louis 100 Neediest Cases is a tradition, that each year publishes local personal stories of hardship and tragedy, in hopes of generating a spirit of giving to those less fortunate. The organization accepts group and individual donations by soliciting the help of friends or colleagues to adopt a family, or multiple families.
This year, TRG Group was able to provide five families with an abundance of gifts. Employees took time to make personal deliveries to make their holidays special. “Most importantly, we were able to meet many of their needs such as hats, coats, shoes, food, hygiene products, bedding, beds and furniture,” said Brooke Heitz, marketing manager and member of the TRG Charity Group. “It was a total company effort as everyone gave in some way, shape or form.”
One mother who received a gift certificate to purchase books so that she could continue her college studies said, “I was going to have to choose between paying my bills or buying books. You’ve made that a lot easier.”
Andrew Spellman, vice president of sales corporate markets and captain of the TRG Charity Group recalls a similar story, “Another family was heating their home with their oven on a cold, 30 degree day. We were able to come in and provide food, coats, other clothes and toys, which should allow them to use the small income that they have to pay their gas bill for the rest of the winter.”
TRG Group donated Victorinox backpacks and Riddell footwear to each family and along with much needed household items such as beds, bedding, towels and cleaning supplies. Christmas trees and holiday decorations, microwaves, televisions, and school supplies were also donated or supplied to fulfill some special items on their wish lists.
“It’s great to work for a company which allows you to participate in activities that really give back to the community in such a great way. It provides an outlet for people to give in ways they never thought possible and realize how truly blessed we are as a company,” said Spellman.
About the TRG Group:
TRG Group is a leader in the design, production and strategic marketing of athletic footwear, travel gear and accessories. Through its stable of brands including Callaway Golf, Victorinox Swiss Army, Soren and Riddell Footwear, TRG has achieved widespread success. They also develop private label travel gear and accessories for major retailers throughout the country. Products made by TRG can be found in leading department and specialty stores in more than 35 countries around the world.
