Talisman Energy Presents Holiday Toy Drive and Sponsors Santa’s Arrival at Lighting of the Doves, iWOW Festivals

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Families once again can brighten the holidays for those less fortunate by bringing an unwrapped toy to the 31st Annual Lighting of the Doves and the 7th Annual International Winter On The Waterway (iWOW) on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Thanks to Talisman Energy, those who donate a $10 unwrapped toy while entering the Town Center Parking Garage for Lighting of the Doves and iWOW will receive free parking. Unwrapped toys also can be dropped off at the Talisman/Interfaith booth in Town Green Park during both festivals.

Starting November 25 through December 24, donated toys can be dropped off at the Central Fire Station of The Woodlands, 9591 Grogan’s Mill Road, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“My family and I recently relocated to The Woodlands from Canada to support Talisman’s operations here in Texas. It has always been important for us and for our company to support the communities in which we live,” says John McGougan, Operations Manager for Talisman Energy.  “That is why I am excited that Talisman has once again partnered with The Woodlands CVB and Interfaith to help fund Santa’s Mailbox. On behalf of Talisman and my family, we are honored to be able to support this community program and to give back to our neighbors.”

Talisman Energy will also serve as presenting sponsor for Santa’s magical arrival at Lighting of the Doves when he arrives on The Woodlands Waterway® aboard a sleigh at the Celebration Stage at approximately 7 p.m.  After a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Santa will flip the switch to magically light the doves, igniting an awe-inspiring display of fireworks and lights to officially announce the start of the holiday season.

Santa’s special mailboxes also will be located at Lighting of the Doves and the Central Fire Station of The Woodlands.

Interfaith of the Woodlands is a non-profit social service agency, providing support for struggling families or individuals in the community. Interfaith provides financial assistance, counseling, job training, and child care for people in crisis, and also works with member congregations, corporations, local businesses and other nonprofits to build a more loving and caring community.

Sponsors for The Woodlands CVB’s 2013-2014 holiday events in The Woodlands include Donoho’s Jewellers, CenterPoint Energy, Service King Collision Repair Center, BBVA Compass, Planet Ford, Bud Light, Coca Cola, The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, Xfinity, Wright’s Printing, Talisman Energy, The Woodlands Development Company, The Strong Firm, Waste Management, CB&I, Kroger, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Spectrum, Rico’s Mexican Grill, Cinemark, Sunny 99.1, Houston Community Newspapers, The Courier, The Villager, reviewit Magazine, Woodlands Lifestyles & Homes, Woodlands Online, Champions Printing & Publishing, The Woodlands Community Magazine, Houston Family Magazine, Community Impact Newspapers and Kidnnected Magazine.

For a more information, go to www.HolidayInTheWoodlands.com or call 281-363-2447. Also, “like” The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VisitTheWoodlands, “follow” them on Twitter www.Twitter.com/TheWoodlandsCVB and “view” them on YouTube www.YouTube.com/TheWoodlandsCVB.

Photo Left to Right: Kelly Ingram, The Woodlands CVB Business Development Specialist; Theresa Burkham, Talisman Energy Regional Compensation Specialist; Dr. Ann Snyder, Interfaith of The Woodlands president and CEO; Sabrina Wagoner, Talisman Energy Corporate Affairs Coordinator; Missy Herndon, Interfaith of The Woodlands Programs and Services Director; Elizabeth Armstrong, Talisman Energy Government Relations Coordinator; and  Nick Wolda, The Woodlands CVB President.