In July, HHS commemorated its 47th anniversary with a month-long celebration called HHS Gives Back.
From donating to food banks, cleaning up beaches, coaching little league teams, to volunteering at local non-profits, our team members rolled up their sleeves and got involved throughout July.
Across the company, the team clocked in 909 volunteer hours, providing $27,225 in value!
Here are a few ways HHS team members served their communities:
Culinary Director Julie Moses Cooks for the National Emergency Services Academy
Every year, Julie volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. She recently spent two weeks with the National Emergency Services Academy cooking meals for cadets and senior members of the organization. Over 200 individuals attended the camp to practice search and rescue methods and aerial photography, learn leadership skills, and participate in STEM activities. Julie acted as the primary kitchen staff, with 5 to 8 cadets helping in the kitchen each week.
Julie says of the experience, "Yes, I spend all year in a kitchen to only work in a kitchen for my vacation. My own staff at work think I am crazy, but it really draws you in."
Resorts Housekeeping Director Zachary Presnell Plans a Beach Clean Up
After a busy 4th of July weekend, the beach at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, was a mess. Zachary organized an opportunity for his team to help support their community by picking up litter from the beach, preventing it from contaminating the ocean waters. He says, "Being in hospitality is not only about serving our guests, but also our community."
EVS Director Doug Bell Coaches and Manages a Youth Football League
Doug has been coaching a youth football league in his community for four years and helping to manage league operations for the last two. There are about 65 kids in the league ranging from age 7 to 12, with 15 to 18 coaches. During the summer, Doug spends about 8 to 10 hours per week leading practice and managing operations, and during the fall football season, it increases to 15 to 20 hours per week.
Doug says the league helps to fill a gap in his rural community: "Our small town of around 500 people is made up mostly of pipeline/oil rig dads who are gone most of the year. We use this as an opportunity to help mentor the kids in the program and keep them busy and out of trouble. It's the greatest volunteer position."
HHS Home Office Hosts Youth Entrepreneurship Day
The HHS Home Office partnered with The Burke Center for Youth to host an Entrepreneurship Day for foster care boys aged 11 to 14. The event's goal was to expose the youth to different career paths, spark inspiration, and have fun while investing in the lives of others. The participants toured the office, met with several employees and leaders, participated in a team-building challenge, and developed and presented a business idea.
Executive Director at Burke Center for Youth Steve Fournier shares, "I am so thankful the boys here at the Burke Center were afforded the opportunity to learn about business from HHS. Their many leaders gave generously of their time to help our boys better understand how businesses run.”
HHS Gives Back will be an annual initiative in honor of HHS’ anniversary every July.
HHS’ service doesn’t end at HHS Gives Back. Our team members are continually supporting their local communities throughout the year and giving back to those in need. Read more of their inspirational stories and learn about HHS’ corporate and social responsibility.