It happens to Justin Huffaker every time.

That tickling in the back of the throat.  The amazing physical sensation that comes with giving. Especially at Christmas time.

“I just enjoy seeing people participate. I enjoy seeing people dig a little deeper, give a little more, and help people who really need help,” Huffaker, director of the Datamax Cares Program, said.

Datamax Inc. will once again participate in holiday charity giving initiatives using funds raised throughout the year. Employees in Dallas/Fort Worth will return to Jonathan’s Place, whose mission is to provide a safe place, loving homes, and promising futures for abused and neglected youth.

It’s a charity that many Coppell office employees hold close to their hearts.  In fact, Vice President of Marketing Robert Caldwell’s parents were instrumental in getting Jonathan’s Place up and running years ago.

“When we arrived there last year, the coordinator there was just so overcome with emotion, as we delivered car after car of things to the facility. She kept repeating over and over again how grateful she was. It was such a special moment in time for Datamax.”

Initiatives like these have become a holiday tradition for Datamax, and one that Huffaker hopes that employees will embrace with open arms.

“I think there’s a couple of reasons that we give back in this manner this time of year,” Huffaker said. “From a business perspective, we do business in our local communities, and we’re grateful for the success that we’ve had through the years. We not only want to give back to the communities that help make us successful, there’s others out there who don’t have the means to be as fortunate as we are. On the individual level, people really seem to rally around when the company decided to do something. Now they can get their hands on a tangible way of helping other people.”

In Saint Louis

The Saint Louis office throughout the year has "Casual for a Cause" Fridays.  For $10 a month employees may dress casual on Fridays.  In December the office votes on charities they’d like to help. 

"This year Saint Louis has chosen Stray Rescue and Crisis Nursery," Terri Hackmeyer said. "We use the money we have collected all year from 'Casual for a Cause,' to purchase items of need. On  their own, employees will also bring in purchased or donate items to the charities chosen."

Stray Rescue helps rescue dogs and cats in the Saint Louis area. They are in need of general shelter supplies as well as dog and cat supplies. Meanwhile, Crisis Nursery is an organization helping to save babies' lives, keeping kids safe and building strong families. 

"They are in need of children’s toys, diapers, craft supplies, etc.," Terri said.

In East Texas

In East Texas, employees have voted and will collect toys for the local Smith County Toys for Tots Program.

Specific age groups that volunteers have asked that employees focus on are toddlers and pre-teens. Specific items of need: Baby dolls, blocks, wooden puzzles, as well as bath sets, craft/activity kits and make-up suitable for pre-teens.

In Arkansas

In Arkansas, employees will collect the funds raised throughout this year to again give back to the Children's Protection Center in 2019. It's a nonprofit organization that the Arkansas team has become especially connected with in recent years. 

The major fundraising event for the center is the Dragon Boat Races, held each June. At the event, 20 Datamax paddlers will jump into a 44-foot-long boat, ready to race. 

"So starting in March or April, we begin doing about twice a month fundraisers here at work to raise money while we also form our team for that year. We do many different things like guess how many of something are in a jar, bake sales, lunches, gift baskets, raffles for PTO days" Kristen Finkbeiner said. "It's become a great team building event for us, and a fun event to participate in."

Employees at all locations should be on the lookout for emails with further details on how Datamax is giving back!