Associates Build Bridges Among Themselves By Serving Others
On a brisk day in March, seven Associates took the time to give something back to their community. Yet what they received in return was valuable beyond their expectations.
Partnering with Bridges, a highly regarded, non-profit organization serving New York City’s and New Jersey’s less fortunate for 25 years, Associates from Mars Chocolate North America Supply Planning traveled to Newark, NJ, located about 40 miles from their Hackettstown office. “We distributed 300 bagged lunches, fruit, candy, clothing, toiletries, soup, and hot chocolate to 129 less fortunate people that day,” said Corinne Finnerty, M&M’S® Activity Manager.
Afterward, Bridges’ staff welcomed those being served inside the church hall, where a variety of free services were available—from eye exams and haircuts, to free HIV testing and job services.
But the people receiving Bridges’ services that day were certainly not the sole beneficiaries of this eye-opening and heartwarming experience. “I don’t recall a single person that didn’t say ‘thank you’ or ‘God bless you’ or at least have a smile on his or her face,” said Greg Lewis, Co- Pack Ops Planning Analyst.
Corinne also expressed her satisfaction with the project, both personally and professionally. “When you have the opportunity to volunteer side-by-side with co-workers—not because you have to, but because you want to—you feel a real connection to each other,” she said. “And when you see other Associates passionate and willing to serve others, you’re proud to be working for a company that empowers their employees to live by the Five Principles.”
“People from Bridges care about me. They miss me if I don’t turn up. That makes me feel really special...at least to someone.” - Homeless friend, NYC
For more information about Bridges: www.bridgesoutreach.net
