Nonprofit Matters: Holiday edition

SOUTHWEST OFFICE SYSTEMS INC.

Fort Worth-based SOS Inc. prides itself on its community involvement, which began with founder, Victor Puente, Sr.

One of the highlights for the SOS team of 53 is the annual toy drive. This year

team members contributed many toys, six bicycles and a significant cash donation. This annual toy drive benefits the work of Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex and works to provide gifts to many families during the Christmas season.

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SOS’s team hopes other companies follow their lead and start toy drives in their communities.

Red Kettle

The annual Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge to support The Salvation Army of Arlington-Mansfield took place on Dec. 16, between Mayor Jeff Williams (Arlington), Mayor David L. Cook (Mansfield), Mayor Kimberly Fitzpatrick (Dalworthington Gardens), Mayor Oscar Trevino (North Richland Hills), Mayor Doug Davis (Pantego), Mayor Richard Ward (Hurst), and Mayor Jim Griffin (Bedford). Each mayor rang a bell that day at a Salvation Army red kettle stand located at a business in their city.

The friendly competition raised $95,228.67 to help support programs and services provided by The Salvation Army of Arlington-Mansfield, including a transitional homeless shelter for families, and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family North Texas Youth Education Town (YET), which provides quality youth programming for children in need.

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Mansfield Mayor David Cook took first place overall raising $75,084. Mayor Kimberly Fitzpatrick was the per-capita winner, raising the most money based on population ($6,651). Mayor Oscar Trevino of North Richland Hills was named Rookie-of-the-Year, coming in third-place overall by raising $6,050.84 in his first year.

Here’s a tally of the rankings in the overall competition:

1. Mansfield – Mayor David L. Cook $75,084

2. Dalworthington Gardens – Mayor Kimberly Fitzpatrick $6,651.06

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3. North Richland Hills – Mayor Oscar Trevino $6,050.84

4. Pantego – Mayor Doug Davis $3,533.29

5. Arlington – Mayor Jeff Williams $2,351.09

6. Bedford – Mayor Jim Griffin $798.28

7. Hurst – Mayor Richard Ward $760.11

“We are extremely grateful to the many wonderful city leaders in our communities who participated in the 2017 Mayoral Red Kettle Challenge,” said Lt. Timothy Israel, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army of Arlington-Mansfield. “The mayors, businesses, and organizations came together to help raise critically needed funds to serve those in need.”

Did your company contribute during the holidays? Email pharral@bizpress.net