A team from Spectrum Health’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Committee recently stepped away from their desks to spend a few meaningful hours volunteering at the Buffalo City Mission. While Spectrum Health has maintained a satellite office at the Mission for several years—providing services to both Mission residents and community members—this visit had a different purpose.
The team helped assemble Thanksgiving side-dish bags that were later distributed, along with turkeys and fresh food, to families in need. The task itself was simple, but the impact was anything but. Walking through the Mission, entering the pantry storage area, and “shopping” from shelves that were sometimes sparse served as a powerful reminder: thousands of individuals and families struggle to access nutritious food, not only during the holiday season, but every single day.
The activity had a strong impact on our team: here’s what the experience meant, in their own words.
“Volunteering at the Buffalo City Mission has been a wonderful experience. I realized that despite all the afflictions and near hopelessness happening in and around the world, people can somehow still muster up the ability to be tender, compassionate, and considerate of their neighbors. Solidarity in tough times. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Yassin Abdikadir, Peer Support
“I thought this was a fulfilling opportunity to be able to take time out of my day to help others. I also felt a sense of Pride in knowing that we were able to represent Spectrum Health in a giving light.”
Carly Gaydos, SHRM-CP, Recruiter
“I truly enjoyed my experience preparing non-perishable items for Thanksgiving meals. It felt meaningful to contribute to something that will bring comfort and support to families during the holiday season, and it was rewarding to be part of an effort that makes a real difference in the community.”
Sarah Bosco, Billing Specialist
