Aramark employees around the world regularly volunteer their time and expertise in support of projects that help strengthen the communities in which they live and work as part of Aramark Building Community.
On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day in January, Aramark encouraged its employees in the U.S. to spend the day in service to their local communities while offering them a unique opportunity to extend that impact.
“I believe strongly in the responsibility to give back, and to teach the next generation the same. I love that Aramark provides multiple opportunities for employees to give back throughout the year to their local communities.”
- Mary Fondas, Aramark Healthcare+
“MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service,” said Kirsten Markovich, Director of Community Relations, Aramark. “So many of our team members spent the day giving back to the causes and organizations they are passionate about—and we gave them an opportunity to extend their reach even further.”
For the second consecutive year, Aramark asked MLK Day volunteers to nominate a favorite community nonprofit to be considered for one of up to 10 $1,000 charitable donations.
“I am committed to giving back to my community. I have family members that have experienced being unhoused and have experienced food insecurities. I want others to treat them with respect.”
- LaKeisha Daniels (front right), Aramark Correctional Services
2025 Community Award Recipients
The following nonprofit organizations each received a charitable donation of $1,000 thanks to the passion and commitment of these Aramark employee volunteers.
- William Anderson - Iotas of Charlotte Foundation, North Carolina
- Holly Buickerood - Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
- Samantha Bainton - Shultz's Guest House, a dog rescue shelter in Massachusetts
- LaKeisha Daniels - Kind Hearts Outreach supporting the homeless and young adults aging out of the foster care system in the Dallas, Texas, area
- Edna (Lucy) Eckelberry - Santa's Smiles providing holiday gifts to Clay County, Illinois, children
- Mary Fondas - USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
- Gara Galway (photo at top) - Habitat for Humanity, St. Tammany West, Louisiana
- Michael Gilligan - West Augustine Improvement Association, Florida
- Terry Jablonski - Project Meow, a cat rescue organization in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Kristen Jeschke - District 99 Education Foundation, supporting students and teachers at a school district in Downers Grove, Illinois
“Caring for hunger and homelessness are part of my core values. Creating a safe space for displaced people is something I'm passionate about. Everyone deserves a safe and warm place to rest.”
- Holly Buickerood, Avendra International
Supporting STEM Activities for Students
Members of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality's Performance Excellence team assembled 90 STEM kits during their team meeting in January.
The kits were distributed to students through the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach, California.
Action and Impact
In fiscal year 2024, more than 9,000 Aramark volunteers participated in more than 475 events, supporting nearly two million children and families globally through Aramark Building Community programming, funding, and initiatives.
Learn more in the 2024 Be Well. Do Well. Progress Report.
