Meridian Waste Missouri LLC, a subsidiary of Meridian Waste, an integrated, non-hazardous solid waste services company, collected more than 100 toys for local children in the company’s first-ever Christmas collection in partnership with local Marine Foundation Toys for Tots chapters. “The last few years have been hard on all of us. Families are struggling and many children of all ages are without gifts and other items for the holidays,” said Meridian Waste Area President Gregg Asciutto. “Humbly, we wanted to spread some cheer, and we’re proud that our employees donated more than 100 toys representing at least one toy donated per employee,” he said. “The toys will be distributed by the Marine Foundation Toys for Tots chapters in Meridian Waste service areas of Lincoln, Pike, and St. Charles counties this Christmas while bringing warmth to children up to the age of 17.”
Each year, Meridian Waste supports families through participation in a local holiday program. In 2021, the team voted to support Marine Foundation Toys for Tots with their three Missouri facilities designated as official drop-off locations for employees, customers, and community members to donate toys for the annual drive. The efforts were spearheaded by Meridian Waste’s Government and Community Affairs Manager Barbie Russo with support from corporate management.
“In the future, we hope to gather enough toys to Fill the 40 which is our charitable giving program to collect toys or items needed by an organization, equivalent to the volume of a 40-yard roll-off construction dumpster,” said Asciutto. “We would love to see every child enjoy something under the tree to open on Christmas morning to preserve the love, joy, and humanity of the holiday season.”