RBS Associates Serve Their Communities for Second Annual MLK Day of Service
Neither inclement weather nor the pandemic could stop Retail Business Services associates from participating in the second annual MLK Day of Service, a time for associates to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving their communities.
The company-wide event kicked off with a talk by critically acclaimed slam poet Ed Mabrey, who spoke about the idea of "service, not saving." After the kick-off, associates had the morning to serve their communities in various ways.
Gina Laubach, Claims Adjuster Specialist, used the time to volunteer at Gentle Giants Horse Rescue in Maryland, feeding the horses in the cold, snowy weather when there are fewer volunteers to help out. Gina is a long-term volunteer at the organization.
"The connection people have with the animals is unwavering here," Gina said of the organization. "Until you have witnessed an auction and seen some of the conditions these horses are in when they come to us, you can't wrap your head around it. There is so much love here and you can watch their transformation with your own eyes."
Some associates donated food to local food pantries and helped organize and package meals. Other activities included knitting a preemie hat, donating blood, emailing legislators in support of voter rights, updating security and computer systems for a local historical society, making welcome mats for Habitat for Humanity, volunteering at a COVID-19 clinic, cleaning up trash at a local playground and donating clothes, shoes and toys to Goodwill.
"We are all responsible for creating lasting change where we work and live," Retail Business Services President Roger Wheeler said at the morning's kick-off. "To me, that's what makes this day so special. We not only are gathering to honor Dr. King's legacy of peace, service and social justice, but we're also taking some time to serve in our communities."