The machines were paused, the factory floor empty. Sounds of laughter and cheer echoed in the distance. With a scene that looked more like a toy workshop than manufacturing plant, more than 200 Xerox Rochester employees helped kick off the 2005 holiday season by building "Bikes for Tykes."

Balloons, Santa hats, holiday music and more helped put employees in the spirit as they assembled more than 80 bicycles and tricycles for families in need. The "Bikes for Tykes" program, in its first year, was initiated by employees who operate their own community service group called the Good Neighbor Community Program.

"This is a great way to kick off the holiday season," said Don Miller, chairman of the program. "We're distributing bikes and trikes to help families across the greater Rochester area and also in Djibouti, Africa, where Xerox employee Peter McKendrick was recently stationed as a Marine reservist."

In addition to the trikes, Xerox people will be sending children's clothing and soccer balls to Djibouti. All the bikes and trikes were purchased through the contributions of Xerox employees. Employees met Xerox production requirements ahead of schedule and worked during their lunch hours to assemble the bikes and trikes.

"This is fantastic. I've worked at Xerox for 27 years and these people never cease to amaze me," said employee Joe Peck. "They are generous and willing to do things for other families in need. They're always doing something for the community. They make Xerox look good."

The project was just one of several tackled by Xerox people around the world to lend a hand during the holidays. Other projects include:

• In Denver, Colo., Xerox people donated cash, medical supplies, books, food and more to provide dozens of holiday care packages for U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also purchased gifts for the Denver Christmas Crusade for Children; Denver police nominate children who otherwise will not receive gifts at Christmas and deliver the gifts to them.
  
• In Wilsonville, Ore., employees conducted "Operation Shoebox Wrap" to gift-wrap brand-new pairs of shoes for more than 50 girls at the Rosemont School for Girls in Portland, the largest secure residential treatment center for troubled teen girls in the Pacific Northwest. Employees also responded to girls' "Dear Santa" letters and gave them Christmas gifts from their wish lists.
  
• In Rochester, N.Y., two Xerox employees brewed up an idea to buy fabric coffee-cup sleeves from a local company and then sell them at a coffee bar to raise money for a local food bank, while also promoting environmentally friendly practices. And, more than 300 Rochester volunteers conducted "Operation Food Basket" to collect and deliver food to families in need - a program celebrating its 25th year.
  
• In Tuscon, Ariz., employees helped stuff backpacks with gifts such as small toys, books, and school supplies. Eighty backpacks were distributed to needy children ranging from pre-school through the second grade.
  
• In El Segundo, Calif., Xerox volunteers collected and sorted toys, prepared goody bags, and decorated and set up an event to help St. Margaret's Center Holiday Program serve 1,000 children from low-income families. Each of the 400 families received a $25 food certificate and two toys for each child under 13.
  
• In Houston, employees donated toys to Ensemble Theater's "Santa at the Ensemble" program, which provides toys and cultural awareness through mini productions to underprivileged children. Fellow employees have been collecting hats and scarves for cancer patients at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, and Xerox people also volunteered at a local Christmas party, providing gifts, entertainment, and serving food to each of the 153 residents at Heights House, a residence for low-income elderly and disabled people.
  
• In Harrisburg, Pa., employee donations, Xerox Community Involvement Program funds, and help from grocers resulted in 75 food baskets with traditional Thanksgiving meals delivered to area families and shelters. Employees also sponsored a holiday party for families from local shelters or transitional housing. The children received a mounted picture of them with Santa Claus and a gift selected especially for them. They also received a bag that included a blanket, hat, gloves, socks, coloring book (printed by Xerox volunteers), crayons, and more.