Giving back to the people who live in our communities is an incredibly important part of the NatureFresh™ identity. Throughout the year, we run many company-driven giving initiatives. But we also encourage our team members to connect with their neighbors and give back to causes they are passionate about!

In their spare time, many members of the NatureFresh™ Farms team get involved with local organizations and programs that are important to them. Many also take the time to spread kindness to the less fortunate.

We are highlighting three Grow-To People who are known for their community involvement – see what they have to say about the season of giving and why they love giving back all year round.

‘Tis the Season of Giving

Nicole H.
Food Safety/Maintenance Administrative Assistant

How Are You Giving Back This Holiday Season?
“This year, I purchased stuffed animals to deliver to local authority departments (like the police, fire, rescue, and ambulance departments). I read that the officers and firefighters use these types of gifts for children in stressful and frightening situations to help calm and relax them.

I am also putting together goodie baskets to distribute a couple days before Christmas to families I know that are having a difficult time this year.

There are so many opportunities, I would like to try new ones each year, as well!”

Why Is Giving Back To The Community Important To You?
“To me, giving back to the community is important because you are supporting your localities. Whether that’s through volunteering with organizations that better the area, supporting the less fortunate with care packages, or raising awareness and fundraising for important causes – supporting your neighbors is important to help your community grow.”

Why Is It Important To Work For A Company Gives Back To The Community?
“I think it is important to work for a company that gives back to the community because it shows a side that is not always seen by the public. Not only does it help to improve the image and acceptance in the community, but it also builds on the reputation and increases support from other locations. It builds employee morale as well – making them proud of where they work.

As an employee, if you are actively involved in “giving back” it is also a great experience to know that your own personal actions are in line with that of the company you work for.”

Thina W.
Warehouse Manager

How Are You Giving Back This Holiday Season?
“Some of the things I do to give back during the holidays include:

• Gathering up all my coats that I don’t use and donating them to Goodwill or a homeless shelter;
• Donating money to the church;
• Buying Christmas cards and dropping them off in random mailboxes;
• One of my favorite things to do is visit a nursing home, with coffee and treats;
• Volunteering at a food shelter; and
• Paying for someone behind me in the drive thru has always been something I love to do all year, and during this holiday season it’s especially important to me – it’s such an easy way to make someone’s day! Nothing beats making someone’s day with a simple good deed.”

Why Is Giving Back To The Community Important To You?
“There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the importance of giving back. Even the simplest “Acts of Kindness” are incredibly important. Volunteering in all shapes and forms makes our community stronger and it brings people together and provides us with valuable experience and insights we didn’t even know existed. When I give my time and energy to others, I just feel better about myself and the community.

Before visiting a nursing home a few years back, I would’ve never predicted how amazing the effects of my visits would be. After greeting the elderly and speaking to them one-on-one, I’m always amazed by how appreciative they are for my visit. Perhaps they feel lonely or abandoned. I believe all people need to know they are cared for, even by a simple stranger. I’m stunned by the optimism they have for their future, even at old age. Most are so youthful in spirit, regardless of their frail bodies. Visiting nursing homes has taught me that happiness can exist, even at old age, regardless of discouraging circumstances or diminishing health.

I learned that the rewards of visiting them is a two-way street. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll get back – whether it’s a new outlook or a warm smile – when you give your time to visit or help another.

By bringing other people gifts, simply just giving a smile or complimenting a stranger are all ways to brighten someone’s day and you never know how you may have impacted their life.

During the holiday season it’s a great time to make a habit out of smiling more and giving back to the community, it’s a reminder that it’s not just important to do so in this season but that it’s important to give back all year round. Not necessarily just with money or possessions but sometimes the small deeds, like bringing someone simple treats or smiling at a stranger, the things that often go unnoticed have the most impact in someone else’s life.”

Why Is It Important To Work For A Company Gives Back To The Community?
“Growing up I have always watched my dad give back to the community, no matter where we travelled or how poor we were he always gave up what he could for others and truly he has impacted my life in many ways.

Traditionally during this season, we would gather all we could and find people within our community that needed groceries or clothing and we would visit them, bring them boxes of food and things they could use in their home. Seeing other kids receive new pair of shoes or simply getting the treats that I had every day with so much joy and happiness brought me more joy than receiving my gifts on Christmas morning.

Now my dad and I both have the privilege to work for a company that gives back the same way we do.

These are just a few reasons why working for a company like NatureFresh™ has so much meaning in my life.

Not only was I ecstatic that I got to be a part of the crew that volunteered at the Gleaner’s, but it meant so much more to me. It’s amazing that my company cares about giving back to others the same way I do.

Last week we were able to donate cans for the food drive and bring them in to work. It was amazing to see all the food we got together as a team. I can truly picture the faces of the families who will receive that food and can just imagine how happy those parents will be to be able to see their kids get good food during the holiday season.

Let us remember to be thankful for all that we have during the season and be grateful for the amazing community we live in.”

Olivia B.
Quality Control

How Are You Giving Back This Holiday Season?
“I give to the Salvation Army, I fill shoe boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child program, and I donate to buy Christmas gifts for families in Fulton County who are in need. I also take the time to talk with and help the elderly.”

Why Is Giving Back To The Community Important To You?
“I know firsthand what it feels like to be in need and then to be blessed by someone who knew the value of helping others. There was a time that I did go hungry and felt the pain of knowing that I would not be able to give my children gifts for Christmas. That pain was real and the anxiety that I felt was overwhelming. I cried mixed emotions the day that I found out that an anonymous group of people donated to buy my children gifts that year. There was no way that I could repay that, so I give.”

Why Is It Important To Work For A Company Gives Back To The Community?
“We need more socially responsible companies like NatureFresh™ Farms – companies that connect their employees to charity opportunities, companies that model generosity, and companies that improve the world around them. Besides that, who likes to work for Ebenezer Scrooge?”

How Are You Giving Back This Holiday Season? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!