BALTIMORE, Dec. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Donations from employees at Northrop Grumman's (NYSE: NOC) Linthicum-based Electronic Systems sector helped make the holidays brighter for more than 1,000 area residents in need through several volunteer efforts.

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As part of The Holiday Stockings Project, employees filled gift bags for more than 140 veterans at The Baltimore Station, a therapeutic residential treatment program.

More than 300 people in need were helped through The Christmas Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized and managed by Northrop Grumman volunteers that benefits children with special needs in schools or group homes, as well as adults living in rehab centers and senior citizens living in nursing homes. Now in its 47^th year, the Christmas Project is funded by monetary donations that are used to purchase items requested by organizations for their residents.

This year the program helped several organizations including: Claremont High School, a school that provides special education services to each student, placing a strong emphasis on vocational training and transitioning to adult life; Ridgeway Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Catonsville, Md.; St. Elizabeth School, a school for children ages 6 to 21 who have special needs; GEDCO's Epiphany House, which serves older adults (age 55+) who have low incomes and/or disabilities by providing an active, safe living community with supportive services; and GEDCO's Micah House, which serves men and women who were previously homeless by providing permanent housing with supportive services.

A Toys for Tots drive was organized and supported by members of several Northrop Grumman Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are volunteer employee groups that provide members with opportunities for networking, community outreach, professional development and recruiting. This year, employees donated more than 350 toys for underprivileged children in greater Baltimore.

Gen2Gen, a company ERG that bridges junior and experienced professionals, partnered with OneWarmCoat.org to donate new and gently used coats to A Step Forward, which provides housing and support for those recovering from substance abuse or other life-threatening issues. More than 250 items were donated, including coats, mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and sweatshirts for people of all ages.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation