Del-Air's Community Push Feeds Thousands, Supports Vets and Seniors
A landmark partnership and new support programs show how a Florida company is weaving community outreach into its core business strategy to tackle critical needs.
Del-Air's Community Push Feeds Thousands, Supports Vets and Seniors
ORLANDO, FL – December 18, 2025 – Del-Air Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Electric, a major provider of home services across Florida, has concluded a landmark year of community engagement, marked by a record-breaking charitable campaign and new initiatives aimed at supporting the state's most vulnerable residents. The company's efforts, highlighted by a pivotal sponsorship that helped feed an estimated 300,000 people, signal a deeper integration of corporate social responsibility into its core business strategy.
A Landmark Partnership Amplifies Giving
The cornerstone of the company's 2025 outreach was its role as the first-ever presenting sponsor for The JOY FM's 21st annual "T-Shirts for Turkeys" campaign. The partnership proved transformative for the popular holiday food drive, which the radio station hailed as its "BEST YEAR EVER." The campaign reported a remarkable 26% increase in donations over 2024, one of the most significant single-year jumps in the program's two-decade history.
Through 94 "Turkey Stops" across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, generous listeners donated 38,425 frozen turkeys or equivalent "paper turkey" gift certificates valued at $15 each. These contributions were distributed to 40 regional food banks, providing Thanksgiving meals to families facing food insecurity. Del-Air team members were actively involved, helping staff the collection points and drive participation.
"This year's increase in giving is a testament to what's possible when communities rally together," said Del-Air Marketing Director Rob Haines. "Partnering with The JOY FM gives us the opportunity to put real momentum behind our mission to directly help families across Florida. To see this jump in donations in just one year speaks volumes about the compassion of The Joy FM listeners and the dedication of everyone in the Del-Air family who helped make this campaign successful."
The radio station's leadership echoed this sentiment, underscoring the critical impact of the corporate sponsorship.
"Thanks to Del-Air's partnership, thousands of food-insecure families in our local communities are receiving holiday meals," said The JOY FM General Manager Carmen Brown. "This outreach spanned four states, where almost 40,000 turkeys were collected from generous listeners. We are incredibly grateful for the key support from Del-Air."
Addressing a Critical Need in the Sunshine State
The success of the T-Shirts for Turkeys campaign comes at a crucial time for Florida. Recent reports indicate that food insecurity is a growing crisis in the state, with an estimated 3.2 million residents—or 1 in 7 Floridians—lacking consistent access to enough food. The situation is even more dire for children, with over 800,000, or 1 in 5, affected. This surge in need is largely attributed to persistent inflation that has driven up grocery costs by over 20% since 2021, coupled with the expiration of pandemic-era federal aid programs.
In Central Florida, where Del-Air has a significant presence, the problem is particularly acute. According to Feeding America's 2025 data, nearly 600,000 individuals in the region are food insecure, including more than 150,000 children. The 38,425 meals provided through the T-Shirts for Turkeys drive represent a direct and tangible response to this challenge, offering vital relief to families during the holiday season.
While 2025 marked a new level of partnership, Del-Air's commitment to fighting hunger is not new. Over the past two years, the company and its employees had already donated more than 10 tons of food in partnership with the Southeastern Food Bank, establishing a track record of community support that laid the groundwork for this year's expanded efforts.
Beyond Philanthropy: A Strategic Community Investment
Looking ahead, Del-Air is embedding its community support directly into its business operations by introducing new discount programs for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and seniors. This move is not only a gesture of goodwill but also a strategic initiative targeting two of Florida's largest and most important demographics.
Florida is home to the nation's second-largest veteran population, with approximately 1.4 million former service members residing in the state. Furthermore, its senior population is substantial and growing, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for more than 21% of the total population, or roughly 4.6 million people. Many individuals in both groups live on fixed incomes and rely on accessible, affordable home services to maintain their safety and comfort.
By offering targeted discounts, the home services provider is making essential maintenance for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems more attainable for these key segments of its customer base. This strategy aims to build long-term brand loyalty and trust, positioning the company as a reliable partner for homeowners, particularly those who have served the country or are navigating their retirement years. This approach reflects a broader business trend where creating emotional engagement and demonstrating shared values can be more effective for customer retention than purely transactional promotions.
A Culture of Giving from the Inside Out
Del-Air's commitment to community extends beyond corporate sponsorships. In 2025, the company's employees demonstrated a personal dedication to public health by participating in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. The team independently raised over $5,000 for cardiovascular research, showcasing a culture of giving that permeates the organization from the ground up.
This year's multifaceted outreach—from addressing food insecurity to supporting veterans and promoting public health—represents a significant expansion of the company's long-standing mission to serve the communities where its employees and customers live and work. The firm, which has operated in Florida since 1983, plans to continue expanding these initiatives throughout 2026, reinforcing its commitment to being more than just a service provider, but a foundational part of the community fabric. This long-term vision aligns with the philosophy of its majority owner, Astara Capital Partners, which focuses on building sustainable value and positioning companies for long-term success.
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