With the holiday season in full swing, businesses across Missouri are giving and receiving holiday gifts of wine, chocolates and gourmet food. According to marketing research firm Packaged Facts, corporate food gifts totaled more than $2.7 billion in 2009.

With customers demanding greater corporate social responsibility, some businesses are opting to recognize clients in non-traditional ways this holiday season. Socket, a Missouri-based telephone and Internet provider, has been making charitable donations in lieu of holiday gifts since 2008.

"We used to send out hundreds of popcorn tins to thank clients for their business," said George Pfenenger, co-owner and chief executive officer of Socket. "When we started making charitable donations instead, our clients found that much more meaningful."

This year, Socket donated 453 games, dolls, backpacks, puzzles and other toys to the U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, which provides gifts to less fortunate children during the holiday season. In recent years, Socket has also donated to the Central Missouri Honor Flight and assembled backpacks for Missouri children removed from abusive homes.

Pfenenger says the vast majority of feedback regarding the donation has been positive. Clients can visit www.WheresMyPopcorn.com to learn about the donation and view pictures of how the gifts will be used.

"Socket surprised us with an enormous amount of toys that will allow us to help numerous families in Missouri," said Dannie Weddle, a local area coordinator for the Toys for Tots program. "We're very grateful for this generosity on behalf of Socket's clients."

Founded in 1994, Socket is a Missouri-based telephone and Internet service provider with the largest service coverage in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides business and residential customers a choice for local and long-distance phone and Internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket's network serves more than 20,000 residents and businesses in more than 400 Missouri cities, and its customers enjoy simple billing and quick, friendly service. For additional information, visit: http://www.socket.net.

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CAPTION: Socket employees with donated toys ready for delivery at the corporate headquarters in Columbia, MO.