By Linda Owens, CAE, owner, president
As an association management company serving nonprofits, we know that volunteers are the lifeblood of an organization. With this in mind, we encourage our staff not only to participate in professional associations (like AENC, ASAE) but also to be active volunteers in charitable nonprofits that support the community.
Recently, eight IMI staff members volunteered for Meals on Wheels. The local branch of Meals on Wheels has over 2,200 volunteers helping to “serve 1,300 noontime meals every weekday to the elderly, homebound and persons with disabilities of Wake County” (source). To find a Meals on Wheels near you visit their site.
Read about the Meals on Wheels experience from a few of the IMI volunteers below!
Sabrina Hunt: Meals on Wheels was an awesome experience. From the time we arrived, the Meals on Wheels staff made us feel welcomed and valued. They gave us snacks during our 10 minute training and made everything easy. We reviewed our routes, packed our coolers and insulated bags and we were out the door in what seemed like no time at all. They are a very well organized group of people.
Jadine and I had 7 stops on our route which were fairly close to one another. The people we delivered meals to were mostly women — they were very friendly, appreciative and amazing. One lady told us she just had her 102 birthday! Their smiles and general conversation said more than some people say all day. Thank you IMI for the experience and hopefully the opportunity to do it again soon!
Katesha Phillips: Meals on Wheels was a very humbling and rewarding experience. I have volunteered with them before and it felt great to be able to do it once again. All of my deliveries were within the same building. As my partner and I knocked on each door we were greeted by the recipients and/or their families who were all grateful for our service. It felt great putting a smile on someone’s face if only for that moment. I hope that we are able to volunteer with Meals on Wheels again as a company soon!
Sarah Gillian Carlton: The Meals-On-Wheel experience was really gratifying. We were able to help people who definitely needed us (not just the food, but the interaction!) and get it all done within 90 minutes. I think that we should do this more often, as a Team outing, or on our own- what a great way to make an impact in our community!
Courtney Smith: I think it is wonderful that IMI not only allows, but encourages, its staff to give back to the community! It was super rewarding to be able to donate my time alongside my colleagues.
Want to know more about association management? Contact us at info@imiae.com to find out more about what IMI Association Executives can do for your organization.