It’s a team effort: SiteLink adds a new twist to donation drive
SiteLink jump-started the season of giving this year as the newly formed Women of SiteLink Group spearheaded a month-long donation drive to benefit two local organizations – SAFEchild Raleigh and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. All SiteLink employees are encouraged to participate and bring their donations through November 2nd.
Adding an element of friendly competition, the Group divided the company into five department-based teams with the challenge of who can collect the most items – the team that brings in the most wins a nice breakfast for all team members.
“We added the competition element to boost interest and involvement, and we’ve had a tremendous response so far,” said Shannon James, SiteLink’s People Operations Manager. “We want everyone in the company to participate, and sometimes people need a little encouragement. At the end of the day, we really just want to donate as much as possible to these wonderful organizations.”
As the company wrapped up its final week of the drive, teams filled several large boxes with everything from packaged sandwich crackers to diapers to cleaning supplies. All donations are based on both organizations’ wish lists, which the group provided at the launch of the contest.
“Everyone is really getting into the spirit of giving,” said Chuck Vion, SiteLink’s Marketing Director. “The competition aspect adds a fun twist, and I’m sure it has made an impact on the number of donations.”
“We’d like to thank each and every person who contributed, and please know that you have made someone’s Thanksgiving that much more special,” said Holly O’Brien, the Account Manager at SiteLink who came up with the donation drive idea. “It’s really just about giving, and from the amount of donations so far it looks like the project has been a great success.”
According to their website, SAFEchild is dedicated to eliminating child abuse in Wake County by helping adults and children create nurturing environments free from abuse and neglect. The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina provides food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in the state.
The Women of SiteLink Group formed in September 2018 as a way to connect female colleagues and advance their personal and professional goals. The donation drive and contest is the group’s first project. Future programs may include guest speakers, arrangements, volunteering at local organizations and career development opportunities.
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Update November 12, 2018: The drive was a huge success! In total, SiteLink employees contributed enough cash and food to provide 6,850 meals for people at risk of hunger.
The SiteLink Merchant Services team came from behind to win the donation contest with their contribution of 1,179 items. Way to go! The team enjoyed a catered breakfast on November 9.
SiteLink would like to thank everyone who contributed and participated in the donation drive.