Delivering the Dough

Jingle the Elf shares more than Christmas cookies at local schools

DTC Communications has its very own version of Santa: Jingle the Elf. Jingle’s visit last December made breaking news on DTC’s Facebook page, as he kicked off his trip from the North Pole with bells on — literally.

Jingle — aptly named, and clad in the traditional green elf uniform with bells on his pointed shoes — greeted fans in videos on DTC’s Facebook page. “I’m coming to you from the North Pole, getting ready to go see my friends at DTC in Tennessee. I’ll be making my way through the 7 layers of the candy cane forest and over the gumdrop sea,” Jingle says in his elf voice, enhanced with some DTC technology magic.

For 2 days, DTC and Jingle the Elf visited 22 schools in the cooperative’s service territory, spreading much more than good cheer. Jingle delivered a total of $36,600 to be used for school supplies or other needs. And he’s coming back this December. It’s part of DTC’s commitment to supporting local schools through its annual fundraising campaign, which started 5 years ago.

Since the promotion began in 2018, DTC Communications has raised more than $115,000 for area schools.

$25 For You, $25 For Them campaign

In the summer, DTC kicks off the campaign that gives customers a $25 credit on their bill and designates $25 for the school of the customer’s choice when they sign up for — or upgrade to — DTC internet or TV service.

The first few years, DTC used the funds to purchase the school supplies itself and then delivered care packages to the schools. The kits included cleaning supplies, such as Clorox wipes, Lysol, paper towel, tissues and hand sanitizers.

In 2020, because of COVID-19, DTC couldn’t take the kits directly to the schools, and those types of supplies were hard to come by. So, DTC made the decision to donate the money directly to the schools, allowing them to use the funds for supplies as needed.

Last year, DTC wanted to bring some cheer along with the money and reached out to Jingle for help. “I was glad to be able to help bring some cheer to these schools, while also taking them funds that they can use as they need,” Jingle says. “We try to make it as fun as possible for the students and staff.”

A representative of DTC records the presentations at each school, and the videos are posted on the DTC Communications Facebook page. “This has been an amazing partnership between DTC and the area schools,” DTC CEO Chris Townson says. “And we’re able to do this because of our members.”

Be on the lookout for the 2023 promotion coming in July.

Content provided with permission by DTC.