1 week Ago
A chorus of volunteers from Bank of America gathered Wednesday at The Salvation Army in Warren to pack holiday food boxes for individuals and families in need across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. And every time the bell rang, another palette was full. “By the end of the day we’ll have packed 3,000 boxes,” said Karen Nault of Troy and a volunteer supporting the Bountiful Boxes program made possible through a $75,000 grant from Bank of America and the longstanding partnership they have with The Salvation Army.
A second shift in the afternoon was scheduled to pack another 3,000 boxes. “This will be 12 years for the Bountiful Boxes program,” said Teresa DeBastiani, senior vice-present of Bank of America and chair of The Salvation Army Metro Detroit Advisory Board. “This is one event people look forward to every year.
They’re always asking when the date is because they don’t want to miss it.” They’re also aware that the event is capped at 100 and there’s always a waiting list. DeBastiani said one of the reasons it’s so popular is that it’s a lot of fun.
They have two shifts working to fill the boxes and each shift has two teams, working to fill a palette faster than the other team. When the bell rings it means one team has just scored another palette. Related Articles They also know what it means to people.
“Healthy, nourishing meals are a cornerstone of a joyful holiday season,” said DeBastiani, who has been with the bank for more than 30 years. “The ‘Bountiful Boxes’ program showcases the power of partnership in delivering meaningful support to families across southeast Michigan. Participating in this program is one of the highlights of the season for our teammates and is another meaningful opportunity to give back and make a real difference in our community.
” Anil Kapoor Jr. concurred. “It’s not just 6,000 meals we’re creating,” said Kapoor, managing director, central division ADP executive, Merrill Wealth Management.
It’s what the meals will provide to individuals and families in terms of nutrition and time, together as a family enjoying each other and the holidays. “I absolutely love it,” said Rachel Wingate of Warren and a Bank of America volunteer. “This is my third year here but I’ve been with the bank for eight years.
I think this program is wonderful. Since I’m from Warren, it’s nice to be able to do something to help my neighbors.” “I think the best thing you can do for people is give them your time,” added Kimberley Glover- Vaughn of Clinton Township, who was working with Wingate to fill a box with a variety of traditional, southern and Hispanic canned goods, stuffing and other fixings for a holiday meal.
Wingate and Glover-Vaughn are Macomb County residents but other volunteers came from as far as Lansing and Ann Arbor to be part of Wednesday’s Bountiful Boxes charity event. “I have the ability to give back, so why not,” said Caleb Woodard, who traveled from another event in Grand Rapids in order to join in the fun. As for who will need the bountiful boxes? That could be anyone and everyone.
Related Articles “The face of struggle looks like you and me,” said Jamie Winkler, executive director of Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Program, which provides support and services for people suffering from substance abuse. “All it takes is one car accident, one layoff, one bad transmission or one unexpected health issue to throw a family into a crisis situation that requires our help.” Since its launch in 2013, Bank of America’s Bountiful Boxes program has provided tens of thousands of meals to individuals and families across Southeast Michigan.
“This is an absolute blessing,” said Maj. Charlotte Hall, general secretary and area commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. “It takes a village to provide food for so many people and this group has been working their fingers to the bone.
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