Giving Back / Moved By Good

Spreading Joy Through a Day of Caring

Words by Abbie Dyer on Aug 19, 2016 8:54:18 AM

On an early summer morning, we showed up for another day of work. But today we traded in our usual work tools for rakes, shovels, and gardening gloves. The day was spent planting flowers, trimming trees and power washing the home of an elderly resident in our community. At a second site, we partnered with Service Masters to clean the interior of another elderly resident's home. Our work sometimes leads us to unexpected places, but there shouldn't be a limit on the ways that we can help someone in need.

Day of Caring

This is the first year that Lake Trust has participated in the Day of Caring, though individual members of our team have participated in the past. This day is coordinated through the Livingston County United Way and is the largest one-day community service event in Livingston County.

"Caring is part of our values. It's the core of our culture at Lake Trust," says Christine, Vice President of Community Development at Lake Trust. "So when we have the opportunity to do this in the community, it's a natural fit."

Ready to Work. Volunteers from Team Lake Trust donated time from their morning to help out a local resident.
In Progress. We mowed, edged, and pulled weeds in the yard and around the flower beds.
The Results. We cleaned up the flower bed and added fresh plants for the resident to enjoy.

A Culture of Compassion

Helping the community and showing compassion toward others is a huge part of what it means to be part of Team Lake Trust. We recognize that our work doesn't end when we leave the office. Though we love being able to help people with their finances each day, we also like to make a difference in the lives of individuals in other ways. So each year, through the Lake Trust Foundation, we're given eight hours of paid time off to volunteer in our neighborhoods.

Paying it Forward

This year, over 100 sites were filled with volunteers working together to improve the community for Day of Caring.

"The reach [of our actions] goes way beyond us. When you give, it inspires others to do the same and that's how you create change," says Christine. "Donations are important, but actions and connections go much further."

After seeing what we were doing, several neighbors around the job site came over to offer additional gardening tools and spent time talking to us.

Day of Caring shows us that even small gestures can leave a great impact. Participating in this county-wide act of volunteerism was a great reminder that every day is the perfect day to help someone in need.

SEE MORE: Spreading Holiday Cheer to 14 Families | Honoring the Work of Mike

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