Katie BaileyTropical Financial Credit Union partnered with WPLG-TV Local 10 in Miami and Fort Lauderdale to help make the holidays brighter for thousands of children across South Florida. On December 12, the credit union donated hundreds of toys and a $1,000 contribution as part of the station’s annual Big Bus Toy Express, which collects new, unwrapped toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.
Tropical Financial Credit Union’s Plantation branch served as one of nine collection stops along the Big Bus Toy Express route, which began in Kendall and concluded in Pembroke Pines. Employees, members, Santa Claus, and a live musician playing holiday favorites welcomed the bus as it arrived at the branch.
“Being part of this annual effort with WPLG Local 10 and the Marine Corps Reserves is incredibly meaningful to all of us at Tropical Financial Credit Union,” said Rick Shaw, President and CEO. “At a time when many families are struggling, we are grateful for the opportunity to help bring comfort and hope to children this holiday season.”
“We are grateful for Tropical Financial Credit Union’s ongoing support of the Local 10 Big Bus Toy Express,” said Mayte Padron Cordones, WPLG Local 10 Director of Community Relations. “The enthusiasm shown by their team year after year is remarkable, and we are proud to continue this meaningful partnership.”
In total, the Local 10 Big Bus Toy Express collected 15,000 toys, which will be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to children in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. From 2014 through 2025, the annual campaign has gathered more than 180,000 toys for families in need.
Tropical Financial Credit Union has been a partner for more than a decade and also supports WPLG’s annual Day of Giving, held each November, to collect food for local food pantries.
