Tallahassee, Fla. – December 18, 2011

Continuing Governor Scott’s ‘Let’s Get to Work Days’ tradition while spreading holiday cheer, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott worked with The Christmas Connection at the Tallahassee Mall today to supply families in the area with toys and necessities for the Christmas holiday. Sponsored by the Tallahassee regional office of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, Christmas Connection is an annual, four-week collection and distribution effort that brings toys, household items, food, clothing and other goods to families during the holidays.

“When I was a child, our family often relied on community organizations similar to Christmas Connection to provide us with Christmas gifts. I know how meaningful it can be to a family in need. Helping children, as well as other citizens, is the very essence of Christmas,” Governor Scott said. “Ann and I are amazed by the generosity of the Tallahassee community. Today’s efforts are representative of Floridians across the state coming together and helping provide for families in need.”

“Our family has always loved giving back to others during the holidays. I really enjoyed working with Christmas Connection today because it allowed us the opportunity to give back to the Tallahassee community that has become our hometown over the past year,” First Lady Ann Scott said. “Our family feels blessed to be able to spend this holiday together, and we hope that we are able to help other families have a merry Christmas too.”

Governor Scott and First Lady Ann’s workday began at 1 p.m. today, wrapping presents and organizing packages to be distributed to families throughout the community. Christmas Connection was chosen for Governor Scott’s seventh ‘Let’s Get to Work Day’ to highlight the importance of volunteerism in Florida, especially during the holiday season.