Annual Community Christmas Program Volunteers
On Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, a group of employees from ReEmployAbility drove to Helping Hands Thrift Store in Plant City, Florida, to volunteer for their annual Community Christmas Program. Bright and early, from 6 am to 5 pm, the volunteers worked hard to set up tents, tables, chairs, and booths and prepare macaroni and cheese, barbeque, and chocolate cake for the families about to arrive. It was an enormous undertaking with over 30 large tables, hundreds of chairs, five tents, three booths, and more to set up. Still, the fifteen ReEmployAbility volunteers were up for the challenge.
The owner and volunteer, Cathy, has been organizing this event for the local community for the past thirteen years. She gives out a free meal, toys, gifts, and pictures with Santa for families of all ages. It is a labor of love for her. Along with all the celebrations, a DJ booth was set up for festive holiday music and a bounce house for the kids, making the event a joyous occasion.
The Joy of Giving Back
“This is my Christmas,” Cathy said with a smile. “Hosting this event every year and making sure my community leaves with full bellies and presents and smiles on their faces – that’s all the Christmas I need. I prepare for this all year long. I look forward to this all year long. It makes me happy to be able to do this for them and make their holidays a little better. It’s my joy.”
Before volunteering, ReEmployAbility collected gifts and filled a car with toys, food, and supplies on Friday for the event on Saturday. The ReEmployAbility volunteers were there from sunrise to sunset, ensuring the event went off without a hitch. ReEmployAbility prides itself on serving our community and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The volunteers created a brighter holiday for the Plant City Community, and the Helping Hands Thrift Store was happy for ReEmployAbility’s support. “It was so meaningful to be able to volunteer with my team for the Holidays,” fellow volunteer Alicia Holt, Community Care Team Lead, stated. “Volunteering strengthens our bond but also highlights ReEmployAbility’s core values and mission to give back.”
ReEmployAbility’s Dedicated Focus on Community
Debra Livingston, ReEmployAbility CEO, stated, “It makes me so proud to see our employees serving in our community. Community is how we help injured workers heal through our Transition2Work Return to Work Program and how our employees remain connected to our values.” ReEmployAbility is a Return-to-Work provider that enables injured workers to fulfill light-duty work at local Nonprofits. ReEmployAbility has over 45,000 nonprofits in its network and assists communities across the United States.
Providing ReEmployAbility employees with the opportunity to volunteer in their community and make the holiday season brighter for families in need is a great success.
For more information on how you can give back to the community during the Holiday season, go here!
More REA in the Community:
- ReEmployAbility Volunteers at Give Kids the World Village 2023
- ReEmployAbility Donates to Foster Children at Local Nonprofit Organization
- ReEmployAbility Volunteer Spotlight: Janilice Rivera’s Fine Arts Experience with Harvest Assembly of God
- ReEmployAbility Volunteer Spotlight: Joanna Jewell Gets to Work Furnishing Homes with Home Makers of Hope
