Partnering with the Local 10 Big Bus Toy Express

On December 13, the credit union served as one of nine pick-up locations for the TV station’s Big Bus Toy Express which collects unwrapped toys each year for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots campaign. 

“The need in our community has never been greater, and we are honored to do our part,” said Rick Shaw, Tropical Financial’s President and CEO.

The Big Bus Toy Express stopped at Tropical Financial’s Plantation branch, where employees, members, Santa Claus, and a live saxophonist playing holiday tunes greeted the TV crew and marines when they arrived.  In addition to donating dozens of toys, Tropical Financial presented a check for $1,000 during a live broadcast from the scene. Tropical Financial has been involved with the program for nearly a decade.   

“Tropical Financial Credit Union has been a faithful partner of the Local 10 Big Bus Toy Express for many years,” said Mayte Padron Cordones, WPLG Local 10 Director of Community Relations. “The level of enthusiasm and generosity from its team members is inspiring and to be emulated. We look forward to collaborating for many more campaigns to come.”

In all, the Local 10 Big Bus Toy Express gathered 15,000 toys, setting a new collection record. In 2023, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve distributed 170,000 toys to over 96,000 children in South Florida.