Penhall Company Employees prepare to unload the donations
“Last year we were so completely moved by this program helping local homeless families that we are making it a tradition.”
Anaheim, California (PRWEB) February 24, 2015
On December 19, 2014 Penhall employees had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the overwhelming generosity that is possible when people come together with a common goal to give to worthy cause. In addition to many other generous donors, Penhall Company was delighted to participate in the Pathways of Hope “Adopt-a-Family” Charity Drive for the second time. Pathways of Hope, formerly known as Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service, Inc. (FIES), is a non-profit organization.
On December 1st, Southern California Penhall Company Divisions received an email from Project Manager Elizabeth Wilson announcing the 2nd year of participation in the Charity Drive. “Last year we were so completely moved by this program helping local homeless families that we are making it a tradition.”
Prior to the drive Penhall Company was honored to host a dinner at one of the local Pathways shelters and meet some of the residents, all who had a story of a life they once had and hoped to regain. Wilson further commented about the program, “Pairing the faces with the names in need was indescribable. The program offers a hand up to these folks with a sense of dignity that was humbling. Giving the families more than just a meal and a roof, but a set of tools that offers them a real chance in the world outside of the shelters where they can succeed and provide for their families in the future. The children ask for simple items, such as jackets and socks and the toys or novelties were listed simply as a 'wish.'”
Penhall Company employees gathered the necessary information about the families receiving the donations anonymously by selecting an ornament hung on a tree in the entrance of the Anaheim Service Center location. Written on the personalized ornaments were the names, ages, and needs or wishes of the residents of Pathways of Hope. There was no requirement for the employees to participate nor was there an obligation to purchase all items listed, but before long the hallways of the Penhall Company Service Center began to grow with donations that had been generously brought in. Every ornament was selected and canned food, wrapped necessities, toys and even a bike started to fill the hallways. As the days grew closer to December 19th, the drop off date, additional sections of the service center hallways needed to be used for the generous amounts of donated goods that were brought in by Penhall Company employees.
Mid-Morning on December 19th a Penhall Company truck pulled up to the front door of the Anaheim Service Center ready to load up the gifts and generously donated goods for the residents of Pathways of Hope. It was a collaborative effort amongst the Anaheim division employees to transport the donations, taking trips loading in and out of the building. Finally, the hallways were cleared of toys and other donations that were piled in the Red and Grey vehicle. An undeniable energy filled the faces of the Penhall employees. Roughly before 12 noon a Penhall Company group caravanned to the Pathways of Hope location to drop off the donations. Met with welcome and appreciative arms of the Pathways of Hope volunteers the many toys, accessories and warm clothes were organized categorically by family and wrapped if not yet already.
The day was an experience for the Penhall Company employees that further proved just how treasured the donations would be on the morning of Christmas 2014 when the much appreciative families would unwrap and reveal which wishes had been granted. Dezarae Hernandez, Penhall Company Employee was one of the Penhall employees to participate in the donation drop off and summed the day up with these words, “Seeing the hallways at work grow with gifts that we all brought in was so special to see, everyday more and more packages displayed how generous the people I work alongside are. Dropping the gifts off to the Pathways of Hope volunteers was the icing on the cake- it really represented what the Holiday spirit is all about.”
Penhall Company continually strives to participate in local charities and events that contribute to the growth and success of those in need in the community.
To learn more about Penhall Company and their services: http://www.penhall.com/
To learn more about Pathways of Hope click the following link: http://pathwaysofhope.us/
For over 39 years Pathways Of Hope has been providing food, transitional living, support and prevention services to the hungry, homeless and less advantaged through assistance of local congregations, volunteers, businesses and grants from foundations and government agencies.