At PRESENCE, giving back to our communities isn’t just something we talk about—it’s part of who we are. We believe that empowering our team to make a difference is essential, which is why we offer every employee one paid day each year to volunteer. This benefit reflects our commitment to supporting both our employees and the communities we serve.
This year, our team truly embraced this opportunity, volunteering their time, skills, and energy for causes that matter deeply to them. From supporting food banks to conserving natural habitats and mentoring students, our collective impact reached far and wide. Below, we’re excited to share some of their stories and the incredible work they accomplished.
Fighting Food Insecurity at the Durham, NC Food Bank
Lauren Tuscano and Anna Waters
On October 29th, Lauren and Anna dedicated their day to the Durham Food Bank, where they inspected, sorted, and packed shelf-stable items like canned goods and water. Their efforts, along with other volunteers, resulted in over 2,648 meals for individuals facing food insecurity.
Restoring Native Habitats at Crab Tree Nature Center
Nathan Eagen, Lee Saunders, Clayson Lobb, Ashley Lobb, Ashley Powers, Karina Lopez, Jessica Caulkins
In June, our AR Team joined forces at the Crab Tree Nature Center in Barrington, IL, learning about and removing invasive vegetation. Their work helped native plants thrive, contributing to the restoration and health of the local prairie ecosystem.
Empowering the Next Generation Through DECA
Rhonda Siltman
Rhonda volunteered as a judge for DECA, a program designed to prepare high school students for careers in business and marketing. Drawing on her expertise, she evaluated presentations, role-playing scenarios, and marketing plans. Rhonda’s involvement ensured that the students could advance in the competition, gaining invaluable experience for their futures.
Supporting Local Families at Ecumenical Food Bank
Jean Pillarella, Barbara Dandeneau, Jessica Legan, Casey Levine, Jane Hall
In Naugatuck, CT, a team of PRESENCE volunteers spent their day sorting fruits, vegetables, and household goods at the Ecumenical Food Bank. They organized donations, loaded refrigerators, and discarded unusable items, ensuring families in need could access fresh food and essential products.
Sowing Seeds at Lucayda Farm
Deidre Castore
In March, Deidre worked at Lucayda Farm, a woman-owned, chemical-free operation, transplanting over 1,600 herb plugs into containers ready for sale. The delicate task of handling parsley, cilantro, dill, and basil showcased her perseverance and admiration for the hard work of farmers. Her contribution supported sustainable agriculture and a thriving local business.
Making a Huge Impact at The Greater Boston Food Bank
Jim Perrone, Jen Flanzbaum, Diane Harjula, Thom Washer
This team of volunteers spent their day at The Greater Boston Food Bank, where they sorted an incredible 11,624 pounds of food. Their dedication made 9,600 meals possible for individuals and families in need.
These are just a few examples of how the PRESENCE team turned their volunteer days into meaningful contributions. Together, we’ve made a difference across various communities, and we’re inspired by the passion and dedication our team members bring to these initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who participated this year! Your efforts exemplify what it means to live out the PRESENCE values. Here’s to continuing to make an impact, one volunteer day at a time.
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