“Branches needed help with their playground and outdoor areas. They wanted to make sure that there was a safe and inviting space for children to come to after school.”

On ABC Day, Sheila and her team built benches, primed them for painting, painted exterior walls of the campus, revitalized the outdoor classroom, packed learning packets, replaced the mulch of the outdoor landscaping, and replenished the playground mulch for the safety of Branches’ students. Additionally, she asked the Aramark volunteers to bring an item for the organization’s school supply drive.

“Everyone was there, from line of business presidents to vice presidents and directors. To see that level of commitment was incredible.”

Not only was Sheila excited to organize a project and volunteer with Branches, but she was also excited to meet other Aramark employees based in South Florida.

“In my role as a work-from-home employee, it was important for me to be part of something that brings so many people at Aramark together. At our ABC Day event, we had team members from our many lines of business come together for the day. We even had people that drove three hours to get to our Florida City location. We had an amazing turnout, and I’m appreciative of our people and leaders who encouraged their teams to come out and volunteer. It was a great opportunity for us all to meet and work together towards our goal of being active participants in giving back to our community.”

Volunteering is something that Sheila is also passionate about in her personal life as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered with her family at a local food bank every week.

“I have an 11-year-old and 12-year-old, and I think it’s important for them to also realize that giving back to the community and those that are in need is our way of paying it forward. We are so blessed in so many ways.”

She loves how her passion for helping others is something she is encouraged to cultivate at Aramark.

“I’ve worked for other companies, but the commitment that Aramark has to building community and volunteering, especially with ABC Day, is a differentiating factor that I deeply appreciate. We make it a priority, and it helps employees not only feel connected to each other but to the communities in which we live.”

It doesn’t matter where you were in the organization – there was an opportunity for you to come out and give back to the community.

Looking back on her ABC Day experience at Branches, Sheila shared the joy that was felt throughout the group and hope for the future.

“As we left the site, everyone was so happy that they had the ability to volunteer that day. My peers all asked Branches to keep them on their email lists and continue to share news about upcoming events. There was a collective understanding that ABC Day is just the first step, and it doesn’t have to stop there.”