New Port Richey Store Gives Back To Customers, Community

Press release from City Electric Supply (CES):

Dec. 30, 2020

This year has been a challenging one for many across the country, including essential workers and families in need. While some had the option to work from home, essential workers did not. And while some families will have the financial means to purchase gifts this year, others will not. As a way to give back this Christmas, City Electric Supply (CES) New Port Richey store combined its second annual 12 Business Days of Christmas and Toys for Tots drive to help put smiles on as many faces as possible during the holiday season.

“We are giving the opportunity for the guys in the field to get to get something, and it feels good because they’re the ones who keep our doors open,” said New Port Richey Branch Manager Justin Torregrossa. “As for giving back to the community, we understand that a lot of people’s Christmas this year isn’t going to be like a normal Christmas. A lot of people don’t have jobs. A lot of people are struggling. For us to be able to get our contractors to donate stuff and for us to give to Toys for Tots, that’s the best Christmas present that I can get. It makes not just me, but the rest of my staff, feel good to give back.”

The Toys for Tots drive kicked off the week of Thanksgiving, and the 12 Business Days of Christmas will run from Dec. 9 through Dec. 24. And there’s something extra special for those working on Christmas Eve.

“On Dec. 24, we’re giving away a $400 Milwaukee Combo drill kit. On the last day, a lot of our customers are working a full day. It allows them to come in and potentially win something. Something to look forward to,” said Torregrossa.

Six vendors joined this year’s giveaways, including Brother, Eaton, Klein Tools, Milwaukee, Southwire, and Wiha. The branch has collected some tools throughout the year and received some donations from the vendors. And for the opportunity to win, the rules are pretty simple.
“To enter the raffle, customers must spend a minimum of $50 at the counter. And if a customer brings in a donation for Toys for Tots, they receive an extra raffle ticket,” said Torregrossa. “At the end of the business day, we pull a ticket and contact the winner to pick up the prize of the day.”

According to Torregrossa, tying in the two initiatives has been a success so far. The branch has been receiving an increasing number of Toys for Tots donations since the kickoff of the 12 Business Days of Christmas.

“This gives our customers the opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots and enter to get themselves a tool that they can use,” said Torregrossa. “Especially this year being 2020. They understand the situation that a lot of families are in, and they’re especially excited about giving back.”

As for the branch, they’re excited to thank customers for giving them another year of business.
“They’re the ones who put our food on the table. They’re the ones who keep our doors open and continue giving us the opportunity to grow their business,” said Torregrossa. “The prizes go to the guys on the field. The guys who come in every day. The ones who get their hands dirty. They’re the ones who are getting the opportunity to win these raffles. It’s not going to owners of the companies, but the guys who are picking up the material.”

And when it comes to the support the branch has received during what a challenging year for everyone has been nothing short of amazing.

“Our contractors and everyday customers are great. They’d much rather come here locally than get their stuff at other places,” said Torregrossa. “When they walk in, we’re ready to help them. They know they’re going to get what they need to get the job done, and they’re going to get it with a smile.”

And as for a Christmas wish, Torregrossa just hopes for things to get better.

“For things to improve so people can go out and have their jobs. A lot of aren’t able to make money to pay their bills,” said Torregrossa. “If things can go back to normal, that would be the greatest gift for the NPR branch. Everyone is worried about getting sick or shutting down. It’s tough to think about. To wake up and not have to worry about a business staying open.”

The branch is excited to offer something for the customers and something for the community during these challenging times.

“It’s hard to do a lot of stuff nowadays because of the ongoing pandemic, so the little things like this go a long way right now,” said Torregrossa.

We couldn’t agree more.

This press release was produced by City Electric Supply (CES). The views expressed here are the author's own.