LOCAL INTERNET GIANT SOCKET: Plugs into Holiday Spirit

Toys for Tots -- instead of gifts for clients -- emphasizes social responsibility, CEO says

 

COLUMBIA, 12/25/11  (Beat Byte) --  Instead of giving gourmet food to clients who spend tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars with them, privately-held Socket Internet is continuing charitable donations in lieu of holiday gifts this year, a corporate social responsibility trend they adopted in 2008.

 

Central Missouri Honor Flight and children removed from abusive homes have also been recent beneficiaries, company representatives explained.   

"We used to send out hundreds of popcorn tins to thank clients for their business," said George Pfenenger, co-owner and chief executive officer of Socket. "When we started making charitable donations instead, our clients found that much more meaningful."

For 2011, Socket employees donated over 450 games, dolls, backpacks, puzzles and other toys for less fortunate kids to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, company spokesperson Allie Schomaker explained.  Clients visit the firm's tongue-in-cheek take on the concept -- WheresMyPopcorn.com -- to learn about the donation and view pictures of how the gifts will be used.

"Socket surprised us with an enormous amount of toys that will allow us to help numerous families in Missouri," said Dannie Weddle, a local area coordinator for the Toys for Tots program.  "We're very grateful for this generosity on behalf of Socket's clients."