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Photo above: LEAD South Hub ABC Holiday Project at Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston Holiday Extravaganza
Throughout the year, Aramark employees volunteer time and expertise to help people and support nonprofit partners in efforts to build local communities across the globe. The winter holiday season is no different.
This year, Aramark employees are organized and ready to provide holiday meals, healthy food, toys, comfort items, warm winter clothing, and other assistance to make the season a little brighter for people in more than 50 communities in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Germany.
“Giving back is built into our DNA,” said Kirsten Markovich, Director of Community Relations, Aramark. “Throughout the year, and especially during this season of giving, thousands of our employee volunteers work to build vibrant, sustainable communities for all.”
As an example, see how Aramark employees are making a difference this holiday season in three geographic areas below.
Philadelphia
Aramark volunteers are providing holiday toys and comfort items to the Providence Center, which provides educational assistance and other support to families in the Fairhill neighborhood of North Philadelphia. Aramark has partnered with the Providence Center since 2006.
To support families at the Ronald McDonald House (RMDH) of Philadelphia, Aramark volunteers from multiple locations will provide more than 100 winter gift stockings and over 100 pounds of food. The Aramark Destinations team has been a longtime partner to RMDH Philadelphia, providing roughly 1000 pounds of food each year for the past five years.
“Our holiday projects are unique as they allow employees to share their passion for service not only with their communities but with their family and friends,” said Abigail Charpentier, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Aramark. “We have many volunteers who have created traditions around serving with colleagues and family members. This year, I was able to serve with my colleagues creating winter stockings for the families at Ronald McDonald House, as well as laying wreaths with my family at Valley Forge during Wreaths Across America.”
Lewisville, TX
Aramark has a strong presence in the Lewisville, Texas, community, including providing food and nutrition services to the children at Lewisville Independent School District.
This holiday season, Aramark volunteers will pack healthy meal kits and provide toys and comfort items to support school students over the holiday break. The donations will support three local nonprofits: Christian Community Action, Helping Hands for Little Hearts, and Lovepacs.
These holiday projects are part of a greater effort to address food insecurity and maximize the efforts of nonprofit work in the Lewisville and North Dallas communities, though the North Texas Hunger Council. Founded in 2019, the Council serves as a network of more than a dozen nonprofit community-based organizations that serve meals after school and during the summer months.
“In creating the North Texas Hunger Council, we wanted to bring together all entities where children could access food when school wasn't in session and coordinate efforts to ensure there weren't any geographies that weren't being served,” said Alishia Jordan, Vice President, Operations, Aramark Student Nutrition. “We were able to create interactive maps with locations, dates, and times of meal services that made it easy for families.”
Indianapolis
More than 75 Aramark volunteers organized a holiday gift drive to spread cheer to about 100 children through Southeast Community Services, a consortium of area agencies and neighborhood groups that deliver services to people living in southeast Indianapolis. During the distribution celebration, families also received wellness baskets and enjoyed holiday treats and family photos featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“For over a decade, Aramark's volunteers have been an invaluable asset to the mission at Southeast Community Services,” said Peggy Frame, Executive Director, Southeast Community Services. “Their hands-on involvement in service projects, their generous contributions to our food pantry, and their heartwarming holiday sponsorships have touched the lives of countless individuals. Their consistent commitment has strengthened our community and inspired us all.”
