Giving Back to the Community

Members of our team recently volunteered at the Gospel Mission in Dayton, Ohio.  The Gospel Mission is one of the organizations our employees have opportunity to volunteer outside of work and earn additional Paid Time Off.  This is a Volunteer Policy we provide to employees that have a heart for missions and give opportunity to serve when time otherwise restricts them.

On this particular day, our team of 7 arrived and received instructions for serving food and cleaning the facility. Hot dinners are provided on Tuesday and Thursday and lunch Monday-Friday. The dining hall is a certified restaurant and everything is in tip-top condition. Numerous local restaurants provide food.  This night we served Chipotle chicken and Olive Garden meatballs as two of the main dishes. The mission fed food to 150 + guests.  After the guests cleared the dining area our team went to work cleaning the facility.

Kylene Pippin, Side Effects Project Coordinator, has volunteered with the Gospel Mission numerous times.  On this visit she served in the food line. Her big smile makes numerous people feel welcome. “I found the volunteer opportunity at the Gospel Mission very rewarding. I’m proud to work for a company that not only helps high schools, but gives back to our community as well.”

Angel Fuson served salads before going to work wiping down all the serving platforms.  She is ready to return with others in June.  “Going to the Gospel Mission was definitely an experience I have never had before. Doing this for other people makes you realize how truly blessed we really are; although at times we all struggle. It was very interesting to see all the different people that came through the food line; it makes you want to know more about them and help them in any way you can….”

Will Thorpe tended to the dining area by helping people carry trays and providing a clean space for diners to eat.  “It was a very humbling, but good and satisfying experience to be able to serve those who are in need in our community and it made me appreciate what I have in life.”

Side Effects aims to give others what they need and providing opportunities for our team to serve is just another step towards that effort.

Will, Kylene, Angel, Jenn and Curtis