Over the course of the year, and especially during the summer months, Summit Group makes it a priority to serve the community, both locally and nationally, through a series of activities to raise money and awareness for those in need.  “I consider myself fortunate”, Summiteer Janelle Touma says, “to work for an organization that encourages associates to donate their time.  Not many companies are as generous or as philanthropic, which makes me proud to be part of this team.”

On this #GivingTuesday, I’d like to highlight some of the activities Summit Group’s been part of over the past several months.  Consider setting up your own Community Involvement Plan if you haven’t done so already and get your associates involved in giving back!

Our Atlanta office participates in Operation Shoebox, which was founded in 2003 by military mom Mary Harper who learned that troops rarely ever receive mail or care packages while they are overseas. Click here to learn more about Operation Shoebox.

Our receptionist Diana Young spearheads Operation Shoebox in Atlanta, and
commented that it’s been a tremendous success. They don’t have to buy “stuff”- they simply go through what they already have and send to the Florida based organization who re-boxes and sends to deployed soldiers around the world. Examples of Shoebox items to donate:  (heat resistant) candy, Twizzlers, writing paper, envelopes, pens/pencils, books, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, instant coffee, powdered drink mixes, instant oatmeal, Q-tips, Granola bars, pop tarts, sunscreen, tissues, Zip Lock baggies, canned fruit (in pop top cans), plastic spoons, gum, duct tape, playing cards, flashlights, picture frames, journals. Diana said, “Folks in Atlanta have the most generous spirit and no matter the need, they always seem to be able to rise to the occasion.” The only “cost” for Summiteers is the UPS charge from Atlanta to Florida! The biggest reward they receive is when a soldier takes time out of their day to send a heartfelt letter thanking them for their gifts.

In DC, several Summiteers spent an afternoon helping out at A Wider Circle, an organization that strives to end poverty from one person to entire families. During their visit, they sorted clothing, moved furniture, and inspected donated goods to ensure that they were in mint condition.  While there, they were astonished to find the amount of donations received on a daily basis and to learn that the organization furnishes the homes of more than 16,000 children and adults each year!

Families are on waiting lists for certain goods, like beds, which is something many of us take for granted. Alberto, an 8 year old, received his very first bed from A Wider Circle and was beyond excited to be getting one of his own!

In August, our Summiteers in Chicago held a Cheers and Beers Fundraiser, where the money raised was donated to the American Red Cross for the Louisiana Flood Victims.  According to the American Red Cross, they provided “food, shelter and relief supplies to those affected by the largest natural disaster to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy. Early estimates predict the relief effort could cost at least $30 million, a number which could grow as more is learned about the scope and magnitude of the devastation”.  Louisiana Flood Victims received $111.00 which, although may feel like a small amount when faced with all of the challenges that they have to overcome, will surely help in buying supplies and other essential items.

The DC office helped The National Center for Children and Families send 743 students in the DMV area to school with a brand new backpack, full of supplies! One child who received a backpack refused to take it off all evening and even tried to go to bed with his sports-themed backpack.  Those are the stories we love to hear!

NCCF was started by 14 homeless children that found a home on June 29, 1915. Their mission is to, “create total, healthy living environments for vulnerable children, youth and families, and the quality of life which empowers their ability to thrive and demonstrate responsibility”.

In addition to helping local organizations, we also make it a point to raise money for several of our clients who are national non-profits. This year we raised over $13,000 (and donations are STILL coming) for the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society and to end hunger in the United States! We accomplished this through a series of activities, which included Silent Auctions, Lunch and Learns, ADA Bingo, a cycling class, the Running Man Challenge , volunteering at food banks and so much more!

The days can be hectic here at Summit Group, but we try our best to take a step back and help those in need. From Operation Shoebox to Cheers and Beers to Backpack drives, all offices try to make it a point to take the time out to help! Tell us what you like to do to give back?  Maybe we can learn something from you!  Send your ideas and inquiries to Marketing@summitmg.com