It’s the season of thankfulness. Random acts of kindness, opening doors for strangers, or even a simple smile can show gratitude in an individual’s heart. For the SUI Operations team, they decided to share their thankfulness through an act of service – feeding the homeless in their community.
“This is very important as the high demand for food or shelter has impacted many families across the country. These types of services provide immediate essential relief and help build bonds with our community to strengthen our selflessness,” said Leah Allen, Insurance Data Processor at SUI. “Collective action helps us have deeper empathy to understanding of challenges that are faced by others. While providing a sense of dignity and creating a welcoming environment, this type of community service offers a safety net and immediate hunger relief, which can have a severe impact on physical and mental health.”
Teaming up with First Baptist Richmond, several members of the SUI Operations Group joined Director of Operations Lamar Whitehead for a time of fellowship, team building, and service.
“It was very rewarding to everyone to make a difference in our community,” said Lamar, “and to have our family/children partake in this event is a memory they will never forget.”
“We have such a great need right now for this as there are so many without a home and do not know when their next meal will come,” added Suzanne Pettigrew, Lender Solutions Representative II at SUI. “This place provides them with not only food and a hearty meal, but also, they are able to take showers and get clothes, shoes, or coats to stay warm. They can also do laundry.
“It is a place where they can come and feel safe, see that they are cared about, and that there is help for them not only to survive their harsh reality but to help them succeed.”
The team set out to serve others, but they ended up receiving a gift themselves.
“Participating in this type of community outreach provided a sense of gratitude, shifted perspective, and a sense of purpose. The experience encourages us to never take basic needs or essentials – such as a roof over our head or a meal on our table – for granted. This perspective shift will cause a new consideration of our own lives and the lives of others.”
Suzanne felt honored to participate in this mission as a team.
“I am passionate about helping others and was honored that we have this opportunity to help bring joy to others and help be there for them in their time of need. The willingness to serve provides a great abundance of joy,” she said. “We came together as a team to help those less fortunate and be able to be there for them in the act of selflessness. We created a level of normality that builds unity.”
Leah added she is extremely grateful for the opportunity to have genuine connection and trust between volunteers.
“This fosters deeper empathy and compassion for others. The interaction builds a sense of trust within the community and impacts both the giver and the recipient. Life isn’t about what you make of it for yourself, but it’s about how you impact others that will lead to a good life, including being able to return the blessings bestowed upon us and to have a purposeful life.”
She shared a beautiful quote to wrap up her feelings about the community service event.
