Volunteers make a difference.
It’s a lesson learned – and repeated – by Santander Consumer USA associates during the past year.
That’s true whether they worked at a food pantry or distribution warehouse, bagging care kits for the homeless, building tiny houses for veterans or various other activities.
Associates from Texas to Arizona to Colorado are expected to complete more than 20,000 hours to serve charitable organizations ranging from Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano, TX, to the Salvation Army, from a Dallas-area school to the Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver and Project C.U.R.E. in Mesa, AZ.
Volunteers work on a tiny house for veterans.
Most came away feeling they had contributed to the welfare of people in need in their communities.
“I felt that volunteering at this or any other activity is meaningful to positively impacting others’ lives in my community and assisting with feeding hungry mouths,” said volunteer Carson K., who donated his time at the Food Bank’s 108,000-square-foot distribution warehouse.
Carson was part of a group of more than 70 Santander Consumer associates who worked in two, four-hour shifts fulfilling food orders for a major food bank partner organization.
“Partnering with the [Food Bank of the Rockies] sends a great message of how much Santander cares for the communities in which they are located and in surrounding communities,” said a second SC volunteer, who, like the others, was using part of his two days of annual volunteer paid time off (VPTO).
Comments from a spokeswoman at the International Newcomer Academy in Fort Worth, TX, seemed to reflect the appreciation most charitable organizations show when they are assisted by SC associates, whether the volunteer groups are small or large – as in this case where about 40 people participated.
“I want to thank Santander Consumer USA for all the wonderful volunteers,” said Faiha-Al-Atrash, community and parents coordinator. “Words cannot express our gratitude for the many volunteers that took part in supporting INA teachers and students; your support is priceless. Your employees were amazing and very dedicated to make a difference in our community.”
Following are stories of a few VPTO activities in which SC associates participated:
SC volunteers give life to Mesa, AZ, tiny house project (Mesa, AZ)
SC volunteers share ‘gift of hope’ with Dallas homeless (Dallas, TX)
Food for thought, and thanks, as volunteers help nonprofit pantry (Plano, TX)
Volunteers show heart to build tiny houses for veterans (North Richland Hills, TX, and Dallas)
Sharing time, caring goes a long way at North Texas Food Bank (Plano, TX)
‘Starving Children’ mission gets boost from SC volunteers (Mesa, AZ)
SC summer interns make volunteer time with seniors pay off (Dallas)
How communities will gain from $680K in SC Foundation grants (Texas, Arizona, Colorado)
Santander volunteers support ‘safe haven’ for LGBTQ youth (Mesa, AZ)
How a few volunteers in Arizona made an impact in West Africa (Mesa, AZ)
SC volunteers take field with former Cowboys stars for Salvation Army (Dallas)
Making a difference takes many shapes for Santander Consumer, volunteers (Dallas)
Volunteer time off not just another day at the office for these workers (Dallas)
Santander Consumer volunteers share hearts with young and old (Texas, Arizona, Colorado)
Santander Consumer volunteers use PTO to serve their communities (Texas, Arizona, Colorado)
