Meals on Wheels
Over 15 people volunteered to put together care packages for local seniors who are part of the Meals on Wheels community. The LLME team enjoyed an evening of refreshments and music while filling over 35 brightly colored gift bags with useful and fun items for seniors. Each gift bag included an individual note from a LLME team member. Meals on Wheels is the only agency in San Diego county that provides meals for 7 days a week, including holidays. From humble beginnings in 1960 with a few women deciding to deliver meals to their elderly neighbors, to serving nearly half a million meals throughout the entire county today. Meals on Wheels is devoted to the health, safety and well-being of San Diego seniors.
Autism Tree Foundation
Several members of the LLME team participated in the Autism Tree Foundation Winter Wonderland event. This holiday festival brings together USD Toreros football and baseball players and Autism Tree Foundation volunteers to spend time with the Autism Tree Project kids and their siblings. LLME volunteers helped guide children through the event’s many activities and workstations, including a cookie exchange, tons of arts and crafts tables and photos with Santa. The Autism Tree Project Foundation organization is dedicated to improving communities in San Diego County by assisting with education, advocacy, screening and mentoring for families impacted by autism.
Make-A-Wish 5K and Half Marathon
LLME had over 20 people participate in the Thrive Make-A-Wish 5K and Half Marathon event. It was a beautiful day to run and raise money for a great cause. Immediately following the race, LLME employees, plus their families and friends celebrated with a picnic at the event site. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions through granting wishes.
Ronald McDonald House
LLME has volunteered multiple times to serve meals at the Ronald McDonald House. Employees spent time preparing and serving approximately 150 meals to ill or injured children and their families. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home for families who need to bring their children to local hospitals that may be far away from their actual homes. At little to no cost for the families, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a place for them to stay close together.
Girls on the Run
Over 15 LLME employees volunteered at the Girls on the Run 5K event at Mission Bay. Our group was assigned to the GOTR Village area prior to the race where we helped set up activity booths, and led girls through a variety of fun, inspiring and silly stations to help them get ready for the 5k event. GOTR is an organization whose mission statement is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. During a 10-week program that starts in February, participants from local schools (typically 3rd- 8th graders) will meet for an after school program where physical activity is woven into a program to inspire an appreciation for fitness and healthy habits, and teach life skills including treating others with care, practicing gratitude, and managing emotions.
SD Children Wacky Wonderland
LLME turned out in force for the San Diego Center for Children’s Wacky Wonky Wonderful, a festival and holiday donation drive where the cost of attendance was a toy, gift card or monetary donation. LLME’s 16 volunteers swept the parking lot and sidewalks, decorated including booths, gates, and Christmas trees, and set up tables and chairs. San Diego Center for Children provides evidence-based therapeutic, educational, foster care and transition services to children and families struggling with mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure
LLME got their pink on in support of breast cancer awareness at the Susan G Komen 5K Race for the Cure in Balboa Park. A big crowd of LLME employees, their families and friends joined thousands of other San Diegans in a sea of pink in support of this cause. Susan G. Komen San Diego saves lives by meeting the most critical needs in San Diego County and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
The Hunger Project
LLME volunteered to serve lunch to hundreds of San Diego’s homeless and hungry during the holiday season. For over 30 years, Beth Israel has helped to organize the San Diego Hunger Project, where volunteers spend Sunday mornings at St. Vincent DePaul Village helping feed San Diegans in need.