Throughout the entire month of December, Delta Air Lines employees gave back to less-fortunate children in the communities where they work, live and serve.

In addition to employee-led toy drives, which generated thousands of new toys for kids, the airline served as a partner for the Marine Toys for Tots program. The initiative is in support of Delta’s commitment to contributing 1 percent back to the community.

“Delta employees give back all year but are especially generous as the holiday season approaches,” said Tad Hutcheson, managing director, community affairs, Delta Air Lines. “The Delta-Toys for Tots partnership is the perfect intersection of grassroots efforts by our employees and corporate support through Delta’s contributions in locations all over the United States.”

Checks were presented by employees totaling more than $500,000 to key cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Boston, Detroit, New York, Seattle and more. The money donated was in support of purchasing new toys in local communities. Delta contributed an additional $100,000 to their national literacy program to purchase books for children.

The airline presented a $25,000 check to the New York City branch of Toys for Tots, adding to a previous donation of $50,000.

The Marine Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys between October and December and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children in the community. The backing by Delta supports community affair efforts to salute armed service members and veterans, as well as literacy programs for children.