For over two decades, the holiday season at Danella has meant more than decorations and celebrations. It means showing up for children in our community in a very real way. Through the Danella Christmas Project, we partner with local schools to help ensure every child experiences the joy of Christmas through donations of toys, backpacks, clothing and other necessities.
This year, that commitment reached more than 1,200 children across John H. Webster Elementary School, La Salle Academy, and Anne Frank Elementary School in Philadelphia. Each gift represents more than a toy or a backpack, it’s a reminder to these students and their families that their community cares.
How the Project Comes Together
The Danella Christmas Project is made possible through the generosity of our vendor partners and Danella employees, who donate toys, clothing, backpacks, and stocking stuffers to support the program. Every contribution, big or small, plays a role in creating a meaningful holiday experience for the children in our community.
Behind the scenes, Danella employees dedicate countless hours to bring the project to life. From sorting and labeling donations to packing backpacks, organizing distributions, and wrapping gifts, our teams give their time before work, during lunch breaks, after hours, and even on weekends. Their dedication is a powerful example of our Danella Cares philosophy in action and reflects the pride our employees take in supporting the communities where we live and work.
A New Chapter of Collaboration
This year’s effort also benefited from an important new partnership. We are incredibly grateful to Brandywine Realty Trust for providing a nearby building to serve as our home base for the project. As the Christmas Project has grown, alongside expanding corporate locations and increasing community need, space became a critical challenge. Having a dedicated area to store, organize, and assemble gifts was essential to keeping the project running smoothly.
Brandywine Realty Trust’s generosity allowed us to scale our efforts while preserving the care and attention that define this tradition. Their support is a testament to what’s possible when local organizations come together with a shared purpose.
After more than twenty years, the Danella Christmas Project continues to evolve, but the heart of it remains the same: neighbors helping neighbors and creating moments of joy that extend far beyond the holiday season.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our Santas and Santa’s elf, Elliott Guffey, William Guffey, and Bobby Guldin! We would also like to give a huge thank you to our Christmas Project Planning Committee, Cheryl Guffey, Hannah Guffey, and Andrea Wentzell!