In Atlanta, Georgia, the Boys & Girls Club decided to do a Christmas experiment. 83% of the children that attend the B&G Club are low-income with some of the families not even being able to afford a Christmas tree. The children were asked what one thing they really wanted for Christmas this year. Then, they were asked what they think their mom or dad would want for Christmas. Most of them gave very thoughtful answers like a new dress for their mom, or a TV for their Dad because they do not have one, or even just a coffee pot. The children were presented with both gifts but told they could only have one of them – either the gift for themselves or the gift for their families. Every single child picked the present for their families over the gift they wanted most. There is a happy ending though as the children were given both gifts in the end.
This is the reason companies should support their local communities. It is not about making money or about the amount of money the company is able to give. Every effort to help someone in need is appreciated, no matter how great or small the contribution.
At Piramal Pharma Solutions in Lexington, KY, the employees are always looking for ways to give back to the community they live and work in. Recently, the employees came together to provide Christmas presents, food, and supplies to families in need this holiday season. In all, they helped a total of 22 people, 15 of those being children. These families consisted of a single parent family, a family who had recently lost their home and was living out of a hotel, a family who had just fallen on hard times, and an amazing family who had recently taken in a relative’s children going instantly from a family of four to a family of seven.
Colleagues in Lexington came together to give, shop, and wrap presents for these children to give them a positive experience this holiday season. The benefits to the community are great and will likely carry on through the coming years. These children know their local community cares. These families know that a local company cares. Imagine the happy tears on Christmas morning from the fifteen children who did not think Santa was coming to visit this year. Think of the great relief of the parents to know that their children will have presents, clothes, and food this Christmas. The small contribution made by our employees is making a large impact on our community in ways we may never even know.
The benefits of this experience for the employees of the company are many. A stronger work culture was fostered through cooperation and team building. Communication between the different groups within the company was increased. Many more benefits to the company exist, but, most importantly, the employees came together to build better relationships with each other on a different level to make a difference in a child’s life. This speaks volumes to the shared core values of this company and its employees.
The benefits to this experience for the company are many. A stronger work culture was fostered through cooperation and team building. Communication between the different groups within the company was increased. Many more benefits to the company exist, but, most importantly, the employees came together to build better relationships with each other on a different level to make a difference in a child’s life. This speaks volumes to the shared core values of this company and its employees.
