By Debbie W., Executive Administrative Assistant and Guest Blogger
In 2010, Scottrade offered its associates a paid day to volunteer in their communities. I signed up to participate in a “Day of Caring,” but there are so many places in need of volunteers in St. Louis, and I didn’t know where to go. When I found out about Hope Lodge®, I felt strongly about the cause and decided to spend my day there. Hope Lodge is supported by the American Cancer Society® and offers cancer patients and their families a free place to stay during their treatment in another city.
I arrived at the location and told the volunteer coordinator I’d like work in the yard. Teams were assigned, and I took to the plants armed with gardening tools, a trashcan and water. We were trimming the rose bushes and plants when an elderly man approached and began to help bag the clippings. He didn’t say anything; he just lent a kind hand.
I assumed the man lived in the area and probably stopped by periodically to volunteer. As I began to talk to him, he said he came to the garden several mornings a week to enjoy it. He then shared that he was a patient at the Lodge and thanked us for volunteering. He had been diagnosed with cancer and was staying at Hope Lodge for six weeks while getting treatments at a nearby hospital.
When he asked me what company we worked for, I proudly told him I worked at Scottrade. He commented about how wonderful it was that our company let us have the day off to volunteer. A few minutes went by of us silently working, and he asked me again what company I worked for. I repeated that I worked for Scottrade. He smiled and said he is a customer. He was so thrilled to meet us, and he wanted to meet the other Scottrade associates.
We spent more time with him that day, and when we left, he took out his camera to take a photo with us. That day, I did more than just volunteer – I helped a member of the Scottrade family.
Who will you help this year through your community service?