Volunteering during the holidays

The holidays are here and for those of you who know me well, you can expect to hear a few bah humbugs.  Luckily the Avnet employees don’t feel the same way.  So, while I will spend the holidays grousing, many of our employees spread holiday cheer by volunteering their time to help people in need.

Last year, on Christmas morning, several employees from Milpitas, Calif., got up early to prepare breakfast for the homeless. A tradition for the past five years, the Christmas morning breakfasts at St. James Park also include distributing goodie bags filled with toiletries and slightly used warm clothing.

In Kansas City, Kan., four employees helped SafeHome – a shelter for abused women and children – set up and operate a holiday store so they could purchase gifts for each other. “Seeing the emotion of the women who were safe for the first time in a long time, as well as their gratitude at having the ability to have presents for their children during this emotional rollercoaster was very inspiring,” says Pat Gilling, administrative assistant. “After being this involved and seeing the effect it has on these women and children, you only want to give more of your time to this cause.”

Employees in Woodland Hills, Calif., lent a hand in a similar way – organizing the storage shed that holds holiday items for Ventura County Children’s Services Auxiliary. They also volunteered at the annual holiday party, running games and participating in other festive activities, and donated $2,000 worth of gift cards. Their efforts resulted in a commendation from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

From serving breakfast at a homeless shelter to distributing goodie bags filled with toiletries, from handing out toys to toddlers to collecting and donating used warm clothing, blankets, gloves and other cold weather items, volunteering time and energy to help others is extremely rewarding.

So, bah humbug to me but, in the words of Dickens, “Bless us everyone” to the fabulous Avnet employees who have taken it upon them selves to brighten the holidays for so many.  Thank you to them for making the season warm and wonderful for those in need.