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Monday, Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, associates followed in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s (MLK) legacy of service by participating in the RBS Cares second annual MLK Day of Service. Nearly 100 associates volunteered to care for their communities in their own ways – from donating food to cleaning up local streams.

During an 8 a.m. virtual celebration President Roger Wheeler underscored how the MLK Day of Service is a great example of what it means to be part of the Retail Business Services family.

“At Retail Business Services, we have two things that really unite us – service and the pursuit of equality,” he said.

Valencia Seals, Communications Manager, Retail Business Services and Chair of the Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity for Black Associates (EDGE) Business Resource Group (BRG), asked associates to reflect on the example Dr. King left for the world before playing a video compilation of associates reciting Dr. King’s powerful “I Have a Dream” speech, which calls on individuals to take a stand for equality, justice and compassion. 

Here are a few ways Retail Business Services associates chose to give back in honor of Dr. King:

Arlene DiCarlo, Claims Analyst, wrote 61 Valentine’s Day cards to local seniors in her hometown of Taunton, Mass., as part of a city-wide campaign. She also assembled a care package for a family community family in need. Additionally, Arlene has launched a virtual library and sends out weekly email notices to match books to a new home. While she’s out delivering her books, Arlene also offers to run errands or deliver groceries for her neighbors who may be at higher risk of illness.

Robert Sobolewski, Forecast Analyst, wrote letters to American servicemen and women through “A Million Thanks,” an organization that seeks to honor and thank those who serve for their bravery and sacrifice.

Mary Summers, Formatting and Planning Specialist, donated supplies to her local Humane Society.

Valencia Seals, Communications Manager, prepared and delivered a meal for The Samaritan House, a homeless rehabilitation shelter in her hometown of Charlotte, N.C.

Sonya Carter, Human Resources Business Partner, delivered thank you cards to retail associates at her local Food Lion store in Waxhaw, N.C.

Mary Ann Haskett, VP, Office of the CIO, made care packages filled with soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies and other essentials for Children’s Hope Alliance, an organization that provides a safe home and encourages a healthy start for children needing care.

Taunya Williams-Garrett, Director of Human Resource Business Partners, and her daughter, Madison, spent the morning recording an instructional video for their local Boys and Girls Club to teach others how to play Mancala, a popular strategy game. The two also created thank you cards for first responders and healthcare workers.

Bruce Astrachan, Senior Council, donated more than 80 pounds of cat food to the Humane Society in Harrisburg, Pa.

Kris Murphy, Director, IT Planning and Vendor Management Office, shopped for wish list items for the Ronald McDonald House and delivered them. 

Shannon Jankun, Human Resources Business Partner, and her daughter, Cecilia, put together a food donation box that they dropped off at Interfaith Social Services in Quincy, Mass. The two also wrote thank you cards to retail, transportation and distribution associates.

Teross Young, VP of Government Affairs, filled local churches’ blessing boxes with food and other essential items.

Ryan Wampler, Systems Analyst, picked up trash in Hummelstown, Pa., along Swatara Creek.

Rebecca Hardenbrook, Claims Administrator, donated to Random Acts, a nonprofit dedicated to acts of kindness.

Kendra Sheridan, Director of Project Management Organization Infrastructure, and her family donated groceries to the Quincy, Mass. Germantown Community Center’s food pantry.

Chuck Morse, Special Project Specialist, helped local food pantry Esther’s Heart by performing general maintenance: painting and adjusting lighting.

Ashley Hatsiopoulos, Project Manager, and her daughter cooked meals for local charity Lasagna Love. The two frequently volunteer with Lasagna Love, and each week make home-cooked meals for those in their community impacted by COVID-19. This week’s menu was meatballs, chicken broccoli alfredo and sides of green beans almandine.

Donna Preslar, Corporate Account Analyst, wrote and shared a reflection of things she learned from Dr. King about compassion and non-violence.

Retail Business Services is proud of our associates’ passion for their communities. Wrapping up the day’s activities, Roger encouraged associates to give back throughout the year – because even the smallest of actions can have a big impact.

“Everyone can be great, because greatness is determined by service,” he said.