News Ben Brown | 9 years ago

Giving Back on #GivingTuesday

In the midst of the holiday season, people and organizations nationwide have begun a movement that focuses on giving back. The result: Giving Tuesday, a national day held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to serve and give back to the community. From tree planting to home building to serving meals, Carolinas HealthCare System’s teammates give back year-round and do their part to make a lasting community impact. This Giving Tuesday, Carolinas HealthCare System is proud to celebrate and reflect on a year of great giving. In January, teammates from across the System joined together to strengthen and improve our local communities in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. 700 hundred teammates participated in the week of service, volunteering more than 1,200 hours at 17 different nonprofit agencies. To share the warmth during the chilly winter months, teammates donated more than 3,400 coats, blankets, gloves, scarves and hats to benefit our neighbors in need. Contributions benefited Crisis Assistance Ministry in Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus Partnership for Children & Rowan Helping Ministries in Cabarrus County and United Way of Lincoln County. In April, teammates from across the system celebrated National Volunteer Month & Earth Day with educational programs, giving opportunities and service projects, including donating nearly 14,000 pounds of clothing and housewares to Goodwill Industries – keeping them out of the landfill. And through a year round partnership with TreesCharlotte, teammates have planted 1,000 new trees in the ground. Trees planted in urban neighborhoods help to change the landscape, enhance the air quality, reduce storm water run-off, and lower energy costs and usage – all while providing beauty and cooling shade to the community. In October, the System celebrated Make a Difference Month with remarkable giving and service. Teammates contributed nearly $3.7 million to local non-profits United Way, Children’s Miracle Network and Arts and Culture organizations through its annual giving campaign, and participated in nearly 80 community service projects held throughout the month including a playground build. And as the year ends, we demonstrate the spirit of giving back during the holidays.  Each year, Carolinas HealthCare System teammates “adopt” children and seniors from the Salvation Army, purchasing gifts and needed items for local families. Last year, teammates adopted more than 1,300 people and helped sort and distribute donations to more than 4,500 local families. We’re proud to make a commitment to give back to our community throughout the year, and we’re proud to celebrate Giving Tuesday!   Do you give back in your community? Tell us why in the comments below!