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On October 16, 2025, Aramark volunteers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Rockville, Maryland; and Nashville, Tennessee participated in the third annual HOPE Kit Packing Event, and packed 150 kits for recently diagnosed breast cancer patients in a united effort to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
Sponsored by EMPOWER, Aramark’s employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to fostering leadership and development opportunities by connecting and engaging women and allies, Aramark’s Hope Kit Packing Event was a powerful moment of support and collaboration.
“The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that over 300,000 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States this year alone,” said Lauren Harrington, Aramark’s senior vice president, general counsel, and executive sponsor of EMPOWER. “Many of us have family members or know someone who has been personally impacted by this disease. Packing HOPE Kits is our way of showing compassion and extending our hospitality culture—one act of kindness at a time.”
Held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, volunteers packed HOPE kits filled with comforting items such as fuzzy socks, lip balm, inspirational notes, and personal care products, all thoughtfully curated to bring warmth and encouragement to patients during a difficult time.
“Being part of this event made me feel connected to something bigger,” shared Jodi Sweed, vice president, strategy & development for Global Supply Chain and GPOs. “It’s not just about packing kits, it’s about showing people they’re not alone in their journey.”
The HOPE Kit packing event has become a signature moment for EMPOWER and Aramark’s broader commitment to community impact. The initiative aligns with Aramark’s dedication to service, inclusion, and supporting causes that matter deeply to its employees.
“This event reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a big impact,” said Melanie Cash, business process manager at Global Business Services and one of the EMPOWER leads for Nashville. “It was incredibly moving to know that something as simple as a pair of cozy socks or a handwritten note could brighten a patient’s day.”
