This year, more than ever, it is fitting for me to address you as our “UNITED family.” Yes, we are all associates and fellow colleagues. But the way we have come together this year to support one another – in good times and, especially, during the difficult times — shows that we are truly one UNITED family!
Last Saturday, a group of us shared a holiday celebration with our colleagues from Panama City. Amidst the destruction and pain that lingers throughout that community following Hurricane Michael, we shared laughter, tears, heartfelt stories and magical moments that lit the faces of more children than I’ve ever seen from one Coca-Cola sales center.
Our Central Region team transformed the Panama City Sales Center into a Winter Wonderland, helping us to forget the significant destruction at that facility just nine weeks ago. We shared a delicious meal and listened to Christmas music.
Santa and the Polar Bear provided hugs and gifts to families and their children…thanks to the generosity of associates throughout our company and their donations to our Adopt A Family initiative.
The Coca-Cola Company’s annual holiday toy collection was earmarked for Panama City, giving our associates the opportunity to present the toys to “Stuff the Bus,” a local nonprofit that will bring some holiday cheer to the many children impacted by Hurricane Michael. It was a moving day and a fitting way to celebrate our UNITED team.
To each of you, I say thank you, for all you do every day of the year to serve our customers and our communities. But I am most grateful for how you support one another when a member of our Coca-Cola UNITED family is in need. You live the “season of giving” every day of the year.
May you and your families have a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season. I look forward to doing more great things with you and our Coca-Cola UNITED family in 2019.
