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The Holidays: A Time to Give Back

The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on and appreciate the many blessings of the past year. At Kruggel Lawton, this has also been a chance for our team members to give back and serve others in our communities. Over the last month, each office has participated in service projects for various nonprofit organizations, as well as provided gifts through local Adopt a Family and Angel Tree programs to lift up those in need.

On Tuesday, December 4, the firm participated in a CPA Day of Service project by volunteering at Feed the Children in Elkhart, Ind. The organization’s mission is centered around Food, Education initiatives, Essentials and Disaster response. Fifty team members representing each office helped pack boxes of nonperishable food items that would be sent to families in need. Between two, two-hour shifts, volunteers were able to pack more than three semis full of food that will be distributed locally, as well as to disaster areas such as northern California.

“I very much enjoyed learning more about Feed the Children and seeing first-hand the passion that our team leader, Darlene, had for the organization, as well as, the volunteers who assist the organization on a regular basis. I share that passion for serving our community, and I was grateful to be able to help them accomplish their mission, even if only for a few short hours.”  -Margene Zink

“Volunteering at Feed the Children was both a great team-building exercise and a productive way for us to give back to our communities. The assembly line was a test of our ability to share responsibilities, adjust to shifting circumstances, and trust each other when feeling overwhelmed or able to do more. And it was fun!” – Brian Hake

For Giving Tuesday on November 27, five St. Joseph team members volunteered at Berrien Community Foundation. During their one-hour shift, they helped assemble boxes to send to low income seniors in Berrien County. The boxes contained toiletries like shampoo and tissue and were wrapped and sealed with a personal, handwritten note. In total, 750 boxes were packed throughout the day and will be distributed to seniors through organizations like Meals on Wheels.

“I absolutely love doing projects like this and hope to continue! It is always a blessing to have the opportunity to help out someone else!”  - Joy Miller

 

Our Elkhart office once again accepted a Food Drive Challenge with Goshen-based law firm, Yoder, Ainlay, Ulmer & Buckingham (YAUB). The challenge involved collecting cash and food items for boxes that contain a week’s worth of food. These boxes are then distributed by the Salvation Army of Goshen to needy families. With a total of 22 Kruggel Lawton team members participating and 80 boxes donated (an average of 3.6 boxes per person), it was still not enough to hold off a win by YAUB who came in with 209 boxes (6+ per person)!

“While the competitive part of me hates to admit defeat, it is pretty awesome that two local businesses were able to donate almost 300 boxes worth of food to help local families in need this holiday season!” – Courtney Watts

 

Over three different days in November/December, 23 of Kruggel Lawton’s South Bend team members volunteered with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. This organization serves 165 member agencies throughout a six-county area and in 2017 they distributed more than seven million pounds of food. Needless to say, there is never a shortage of jobs for volunteers. In fact, approximately 30 volunteers are needed each day to help the organization run smoothly. Tasks range from restocking shelves and organizing food in the warehouse, to assisting clients in their shopping experience at the Community Food Pantry and helping carry bags of groceries out to clients’ cars.

“It’s really a rewarding experience because you know you can help people out and there is truly a demand for help. This was my third year volunteering there and I will continue to do so.” –Brenner Cruce

 

Carrying on a long tradition, each office helped to make the holidays a little brighter for families and children in the community:

Summing up all of Kruggel Lawton’s projects, Manager Aaron O’Dell said,

“We’re very fortunate to be able to give back to those in need. Everyone deserves to have an enjoyable holiday season.”

 

Feed the Children
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574.289.4011 ext. 301

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