Local Employees Participate in 2nd Annual “Reily Days of Caring”
Reily Companies/ Reily Foods and the Standard Companies, United Way supporters and Top 60 giving companys, gave their employees the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community this summer with their second annual “Days of Caring.”
All employees who donated to United Way during the 2008-2009 fundraising campaign were invited to participate in a volunteer program of their choice. In total, 61 employees dedicated their time to serving the Greater New Orleans Area through a variety of services and programs.
“It was a very rewarding experience for me,” says Beryl Dantin, CPA, who worked at the St. Bernard Community Center for their Grocery Day. “It was eye opening. Several of the people who came for food were not only the poor and elderly, but people who appeared to be more like me who had lost their jobs and were experiencing hard times. It made me very thankful for all I have. Thanks so much to the Reily Companies for allowing me this opportunity to serve.”
For more information, please contact Annie Orillac-Thibodeaux at 504-827-6812.
On June 12, two employees volunteered at Alpha House in Covington. Catholic Charities’ Alpha House provides day services to the elderly, the disabled, and adults with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It also provides a safe environment and nutritious meals along with health services and socialization activities. The volunteers assisted with the adult day care program, including meals, light exercise, and activities such as bingo and arts & crafts.
On June 25, three employees volunteered at the Community Center of St. Bernard to assist their Mustard Seed Distribution program. The Community Center of St. Bernard provides local residents with a variety of direct services to enable them to meet their basic needs. The program also provides referrals to other agencies in order to increase clients’ knowledge of & access to available community resources. The volunteers stocked shelves in the food pantry, assisted food pantry clients with the checkout process, helped carry food to client’s cars, and served hot lunch. Some volunteers also assisted organizing the clothing distribution center.
On June 28, eight employees volunteered at Just the Right Attitude in Jefferson Parish. JTRA is a nonprofit food bank and hot kitchen providing groceries and hot meals free of charge for low- and moderate-income New Orleans residents who are in crisis. They are a United Way Allied Agency. The volunteers sorted and packaged goods for distribution, and set up, served, and cleaned after meals.
On July 9, four employees volunteered at the Crescent City Christian School in Metairie. They cleaned and painted classrooms and a hallway.
On July 10, two employees volunteered at Kingsley House’s Adult Day Health Care and Senior Center program. These programs provide Seniors and the Disabled with transportation, meals, social, recreational, and educational activities, case management and health monitoring to those who attend, in addition to caregiver support groups and activities. The volunteers socialized with the seniors and listened to their stories while playing bingo and doing exercise therapy.
On July 17, five employees volunteered at Furnishing Our Neighbors in Orleans Parish, a non-profit organization that assists families and businesses in need of quality, affordable furniture through disaster recovery relief, donors and partnerships. United Way partners with Furnishing Our Neighbors through its Long Term Recovery Initiative. Two employees worked unloading and organizing furniture in the warehouse, while three others assisted with administrative tasks.
On July 23, three employees volunteered their administrative skills at our local United Way office.
On Aug 6 and 7, 32 employees volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. Their Food Collection and Distribution program targets food-insecure populations in 23 parishes, including Greater New Orleans, feeding 248,700 individuals annually. Donated food, supplemented by food purchases to ensure nutritional balance, is distributed through over 240 member agencies. The volunteers sorted and packaged goods for distribution.
On Aug 7, 2 employees volunteered at St. Bernard Project, which rebuilds gutted homes in St. Bernard Parish in 8-12 weeks with approximately $12,000 in building supplies by using volunteer labor and skilled supervisors. The volunteers assisted in the rebuilding process of a home in St. Bernard Parish.
ABOUT REILY
Based in New Orleans, Reily Companies/Reily Foods has flourished since its inception in 1902. It produces more than 100 brands, including the Louisiana staples of CDM Coffee, Luzianne Tea and Blue Plate Mayonnaise. |
