Giving back is core to Brightspot鈥檚 mission year round, but the holiday season, in particular, provides many additional opportunities for our employees to make a difference throughout our community. During the month of December, through a variety of intiatives, Brightspot employees touched the lives of over 900 people.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
For over 40 years, program has provided holiday gifts to deserving children in need across the National Capital area. Brightspot has participated in the program since 2017 and was proud to continue as one of the top local supporters in the region again this winter. 87 employees adopted 125 Angels and provided them with clothes and toys to help them celebrate the holiday season.
Participating in the Angel Tree program provides everyone the opportunity to bring the spirit of the season to every child who looks forward to the magic of the holidays. It's amazing to see the whole office rally together for an amazing and special cause."
In addition to sponsoring this group of angels, a team of 16 volunteers traveled to the Salvation Army warehouse on December 19 to help distribute the gifts to families. Over the four-hour shift, our team of volunteers played an important role in serving over 600 families.
Packing Lunches for the Homeless
On Wednesday, December 11, a group of Brightspot employees opted to give of their time during the workday to pack and deliver 150 bagged meals for three local nonprofits who work closely with Northern Virginia鈥檚 homeless population鈥� the food pantry at , The Katherine Hanley Family Shelter and .
It鈥檚 sometimes easy to take for granted the fact that we go home to a hot meal and don't have to worry about where our next meal will come from. The holiday season is a time to remember that not everyone is as fortunate, and take the opportunity to give back and lift up those people who need it the most.
Embry Rucker Community Shelter provides safe, healthy emergency housing for families and individuals. The Katherine Hanley Family Shelter provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence. A-SPAN strives to end homeless in Arlington country by helping individuals to secure permanent housing and providing life-sustaining support services.
The Countdown to None 5k
On December 31, Brightspot will continue its sponsorship of the Countdown to None 5k in Vienna, VA, for the third year. This annual event raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.