We love to see big companies giving back during the holiday season, especially in these trying times we all know as “2020.” Many families around the country will not be able to afford Christmas gifts for their little ones; Toys for Tots and Panther Premium Logistics to the rescue.

This project began in 2009 when Panther CEO and then CIO Ed Wadel moved expedited client cargo for an entire week with all proceeds from the transportation donated to Toys for Tots.

Wadel is now the Executive Vice President of Asset-Light Expedite Services and Capacity of the company and continues his annual trek across America. Joining him this year is David Kessler, Vice President of Expedite Fleet & Operations.

Beginning their trek Nov. 9, Wade and Kessler hauled automotive parts from Ohio to South Carolina to help keep a plant up and running. Next, the two left for Tennessee to bring some custom woodwork for a construction project short on material.

Their last load of the week brought them to New York to pick up an essential automotive load; as of Nov. 12 the duo was en route back to be dropped in Tennessee.

Using all proceeds from these expedited deliveries, Panther Premium Logistics is able to provide Christmas for many families each year. The company also asks its partners and employees to donate leading up to the Thanksgiving season.

As of today, $19,178 has been raised for Toys for Tots through this effort. Ed and David are still collecting through the first week of December, so that total will rise.

"The holiday season is the peak season for many of Panther's customers with critical freight, and we are always up to the challenge, however, this is also a season when we reflect back and consider how fortunate we are," the CEO said in 2009. "This fundraiser is perhaps my favorite way Panther gives back to the community, giving us a chance to raise awareness and donations for a needed and worthy cause."