“Everyone has the power to inspire and serve the world.” – Orrin Woodward
As a company, Life is intentional about making a difference in people’s lives. The Life on Life Initiative has truly become a platform for Life Members and staff to actively participate in community service events that meet the needs of people who struggle to function in society.
During the holidays, it can be especially difficult for underprivileged families. That is why on Wednesday, November 30th, 2016, the Life World Headquarters employees took time out of their busy afternoon to serve with the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program.
As an organization, the Salvation Army’s mission is to feed, to clothe, to comfort, and to care. To rebuild broken homes and broken lives- by walking with the addicted, they can lead them to recovery. In fighting hunger and poverty, they can feed and nurture the spirit. And, in living and sharing the Christian Gospel by meeting tangible needs, they give the world a lasting display of the love behind their beliefs.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Program works to bring joy to thousands of Wake County underprivileged children, providing them with new clothing, toys, and stockings, and the opportunity to have a happy Christmas morning.
The Life staff volunteered for the toy shop set-up portion of the program and assisted with every aspect of distribution including organizing toys and games, decorating, sorting Angel Tree gifts, setting up boxes, cleaning, and making stockings.
“I am so proud of our staff who so enthusiastically chose to participate in this outreach today. The Salvation Army is doing such a great job of making sure children are not forgotten on Christmas, and we are honored to have been able to play a little part in that.” – Chris Brady
“I am extremely proud of our Life on Life initiative and the impact it is having around the world. It was a joy spending a few hour this week helping out a great cause/organization like the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Toy Program. Each time we hold an event like this, it reminds me how blessed I am and that no matter how busy life can be, I can and should do more.” – Rob Hallstrand
Here is what some of the Life staff had to say about their Life on Life experience:
“It felt really great to help the Salvation Army in their mission to provide a memorable Christmas for local families in need. Thanks to the generosity of so many people in the area, these kids will have some new toys plus nice warm coats and clothes for the winter. I’m so grateful to work for a company that believes in giving back to the community.” – Christine Webster (Accounting Manager)
“Yesterday was a little more emotional than I anticipated. I have family members who served in the Salvation Army their entire lives and during the holidays we would visit them. Each visit we would go down to their Salvation Army shelter and help in the kitchen and my cousins and I would run around the warehouse looking at stuff. It reminded me of my favorite Aunt and Uncle so I said a prayer in their memory thanking them for their service to humanity.” – Bill Rousseau (Director of Product Development and Logistics)
“Since I have worked at Life, we have done a handful of different service projects that I have been involved in. And while all have benefitted our local community, this one had the biggest impact on me personally. Volunteering with the Salvation Army was an eye-opener because you could actually see how many families were going to be served through the Christmas Cheer Program. The best part of the entire day was knowing that the thousands of kids and parents across Wake County would have a merrier holiday season because of it.” – Jennifer Headley (Audio/Video Editor)
“It is refreshing to work for a company that has service as a part of its charter. Too often in the business world, companies are more consumed with their balance sheet than what is really important: helping the least among us. But Life is different in this way and it’s a huge reason why it is such a rewarding company to work for.” – Jay Russell (Director of International Operations)
“What can I say…the Lord Jesus was our example of perfect love, He was the perfect Man, The scripture says that He was Emmanuel which is, being interpreted “God with us.” He gave his life for us so we can have eternal life. He said in Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The Lord Jesus never lived for himself. His life was spent to others and that’s perfectly eternal life. You can go to church, you can do good things, say good things but when you live your life to yourself you haven’t received eternal life because Eternal life is living for others. And this includes those that don’t know you but you know they need you. Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungered and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came to me. Then shall the righteous answer him saying when we did all these things and the king shall answer and say, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these little ones my brethren ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25: 34-40)” – Roberto DeLaTorre (Staff Accountant)
“Volunteering at the Salvation Army was very interesting for me to see it all from the other end of the spectrum. I am not ashamed to say that 10 years ago I was one of the parents out there looking for holiday help. What a great experience of perspective which left me with a large feeling of gratitude. I am so thankful to work for a company that truly cares about helping people as I myself am reaching towards Living the Life I’ve always Wanted!” – Michelle Turner (Marketing Manager)
“My favorite part of volunteering with the Salvation Army is that I am able to make an impact in the lives of people in my own community. It feels great being able to make a difference and give back to those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season.” – Chris Janes (Audio/Video Editor)
“Businesses don’t exist in a vacuum but within their surrounding communities. I love that Life as a company has a focus on giving back and fostering better lives for not only their customers but the community at large.” – Hunter Edwards (Customer Service Representative)
“What a joy, and pure delight to have fun with coworkers as we joined in with the Salvation Army for those few hours. I had a lot of fun walking back and forth from the gift station (picking up a gift designated by number/name) to the “mailbox” designated by number/name and depositing the gifts. Gifts that will soon bring a smile to many children’s faces. I felt like my “exercising” was extra productive that day!” – Nathalie Miller (French Audio/Video production- International Media)
“I’ve seen how much the Salvation Army does for people, so volunteering wasn’t a tough decision – especially with Life giving us the time to do so. It’s nice to think we spent a little time helping a great organization, but the truth is, I think most of us received a lot more than we gave.” – Ryan Renz (Media Manager)
Life on Life Initiative Highlight Video – Salvation Army
“We were so excited to have Life join us for the toy shop set-up portion of the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer Program. It was a fun and busy time and we are so grateful that you were able to help us create Christmas for over 3,000 families and over 7,000 children in Wake County. Your volunteer efforts truly made a difference.” – Margaux Austin (Volunteer and Resource Coordinator – Salvation Army)
Life is extremely proud to have an army of staff who are committed to the mission of setting people functionally free through the Life on Life Initiative. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to serve. Your efforts and contribution were very much appreciated!
Pat Tefel says
Great Job! Your continued efforts to serve your community are an inspiration to us all!
Brandon Perry says
Love seeing that the life on life starts right at the office. Way to set the example guys.
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