Hundreds of gifts given out for hospitality, tourism workers for ‘Holidays in Motion’ toy distribution

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - People working in one of the most important industries in Savannah are getting Christmas gifts early on Friday morning.

250 gifts, ranging in price, were handed out to hospitality and tourism industry workers and their families throughout several hotels in downtown Savannah.

This is Chosen For The Arts’ first Christmas season gift giveaway, with plans to have another event like this in early 2026.

Organizers said this event is about honoring the families who keep Savannah’s tourism and hospitality industry strong all year long.

“So many different people said, ‘I’ll give money or time or expertise’ and I think just knowing that somebody’s going to be opening up a present that maybe wouldn’t have gotten a present – not necessarily because they can’t afford it but maybe they just were busy working all the time – I think makes a lot of us feel really connected and enjoy being able to do this," said Tuba Benson-Jaja, a CFTA board member.

There are several partners, including WTOC, helping to make it happen. Along with Old Town Trolley, Visit Pooler, North Point Hospitality, Stay in Savannah, Thompson Savannah by Hyatt, and the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council.

“I have two daughters, they’re grown, and out of the house now, and so this is kind of Christmas, that bringing part of that family, is just bringing it to our extended family -- the folks that we work with in tourism,” said Old Town Trolley Operations Manager Ashley Pruden.

Although the trolley was packed with gifts, that was not all of them. They plan to give those out at another time before Christmas Day, which is under a week away.

They stopped by six locations in total on Friday morning.

“We’re going around to some of the hotels that have been serving so many people all year long – and we’re able to serve them in a different way," said Benson-Jaja.

READ MORE: ‘Holidays in Motion’ toy drive supports kids of Savannah’s tourism, hospitality workers

More than 28,000 people work in Savannah’s tourism and hospitality industries.