Cleco distributed almost 200 toys and $80,000 in charity to Louisiana children thanks in part to a charity drive in New Iberia last month. 

Cleco employees donated approximately 160 toys to Toys for Tots, directly benefiting Louisiana children across the company’s 24-parish service area, according to a prepared statement. 

The toy donation was held in conjunction with a monetary donation of $80,000 raised by Cleco employees for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation as part of the company’s annual Charitable Golf Tournament that was held Nov. 7 in New Iberia. 

“This year’s Cleco Charitable Golf Tournament donation was unique in that we were able to provide Marine Toys for Tots Foundation with two gifts – funds to help them provide holiday toys for children across Louisiana and toys donated directly by our employees that will brighten the season for boys and girls in need,” Andre Guillory, Cleco Power’s Chief Customer Officer said. 

Toys were collected at Cleco’s headquarters in Pineville, as well as customer service offices and power plants.

“We are grateful for Cleco employees’ generosity in supporting children across Louisiana through their toy collection efforts,” Col. Ted Silvester, vice-president of marketing and development at Marine Toys for Tots Foundation said. “Their dedication embodies the spirit of giving and bringing holiday cheer to families in need.”