BH teams and team members have volunteered over 2,200 hours and counting in 2022. Through the BH Gives Back program, each employee is given eight hours of paid volunteer time to use each year. Employees have the flexibility to get involved in any organization that is important to them and that impacts their local communities. From food collection drives to helping at local schools to angel tree donations to serving ice cream, the opportunities to give back are endless. Check out some of the ways BH’ers volunteered their time in 2022:
Family and Friends Make a Difference
Nature Darns, a regional coach for the Atlanta region, was inspired by her daughter to organize a blanket collection drive for individuals facing housing insecurity in the Atlanta area. Nature and her daughter got their family and friends to join the cause. Due to the overwhelming support of family and friends, they collected 40 blankets, bottled water, and breakfast meals. Once all the supplies were collected, Nature and her family traveled to four Atlanta communities to donate the items. Nature was inspired by Doug Pederson’s quote, “An individual can make a difference, but a team can make a miracle.”
Give Kids The World
Team members from 12 of BH’s Orlando properties volunteered at Give Kids The World (GKTW) Village. GKTW is a non-profit resort in Florida that creates magical memories for children with critical illnesses and their families. The Orlando communities have been involved with this organization since 2016 raising over $4,000, along with participating at the village.
“It brings me so much joy and fulfillment to volunteer in our community,” said Melony Collins. “GKTW is one of my favorite organizations because it reminds me how precious life is and seeing the smiles on the children’s faces is absolutely priceless.” Melony is a regional manager in the Orlando area. Check out more about GKTW here.
The Sweetness of Volunteering
Des Moines-based employees traded their normal day-to-day work duties for the opportunity to serve ice cream with a Girl Scout troop at the Iowa State Fair. Madison Bartell, a leasing consultant at Cadence, along with other BH employees, used their BH Gives Back hours to take orders and serve ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes, and malts to fair goers. With BH’ers lending a helping hand, the Girl Scouts were able to keep labor costs low, allowing the proceeds of their earnings to go toward other Girl Scout activities. “The best part about volunteering was being able to bond with other BH communities, while working together for a good cause,” Madison said.
Doing the Most Good for The Salvation Army
Each year The Salvation Army offers the Angel Tree program, which collects and donates gifts to families in need during the holiday season. A host of community and regional managers, and area and regional vice presidents in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area volunteered at The Salvation Army Angel Tree Warehouse. Twenty-two employees assisted with organizing the donations.
“We had such an amazing time volunteering at the Salvation Army Warehouse,” said Cacey Benton. “I didn’t realize what a huge impact this organization had in our community and how many people it served. I can’t wait to go back and volunteer next year.” Cacey is a regional manager in the DFW area.
The Salvation Army is nationwide, providing opportunities for people to donate and give back year-round. Visit their website to find ways to give back to your local community.
Making a Difference Close to Home
Donna Sleeth, a business analytics manager at BH, volunteers every month at Single Parent Provision. Single Parent Provision is a non-profit organization in Des Moines, Iowa, that provides support to single parents and their families. Some of the organization’s services include break time, which provides opportunities for parents to have alone time, and home provision, which provides additional hands to help parents accomplish projects at their homes.
Once a month, Donna provides clerical assistance to Single Parent Provision by updating their databases, contacting donors, and taking inventory. Donna is part of Single Parent Provision’s ‘Terrific Trio,’ which consists of Donna, her mom, and her sister who frequently volunteer together. “I truly could go on and on and on,” Donna said. “I love this organization and their mission. Being a single mom myself, it hits close to home.”
Volunteering and giving back takes shape in many forms. It can be done alone, as a team, or with family. BH is proud of its employees for using BH Gives Back hours to make their communities a better place to live and thrive.
