Airport partners team up for record-breaking Toys for Tots collection

Every year, employees from Tampa International Airport and many of TPA's partner organizations join forces to collect gifts for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, benefiting children throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The collection has grown steadily over the past 13 years, but this year set a new all-time record thanks to overwhelming generosity from the community and support from local philanthropist Vick Tipnes, who partnered with fixed-base operator Sheltair to organize a massive toy drive out of one of the airport's hangars, resulting in nearly 20,000 toys collected.

Signature Flight Support also made a major contribution, donating $30,000 to the cause. On Sunday, airport employees went on a festive toy shopping spree ahead of Monday's big sendoff.

Employees from the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which operates Tampa International Airport, kicked off their efforts early with a series of fundraisers- including the airport's annual Chili Cook-Off - before hitting store aisles to purchase thousands of toys for local children.