Each year, team members at Millwood’s corporate office take Millwood's mission into their own hands during the annual Shop Til You Drop event.
This year, the team’s efforts aided four local, non-profit organizations. In teams of two, volunteers shopped at Boscov’s and Target in Niles, Ohio using shopping lists provided by each organization.
After the shopping concluded, the team gathered for a festive lunch with representatives from the supported organizations. This provided an opportunity for team members to learn more about the missions they were aiding.
“It was great to hear his story and understand his passion for his organization. He provided us with statistics on how they prepare 250 turkeys for Thanksgiving and 40 pounds of gravy. They will feed 2,000 people that day in four hours,” Corporate Controller Misty Parshall said. “It melted my heart to know that the company I work for supports such a wonderful organization, and I as an employee get to be part of something so amazing.”
“It was fantastic to be part of the wonderful group that shopped for the nonprofits and all the individuals that they help,” Senior Software Engineer Sheila Factor said. “I am so proud that I work for a company that not only supports these organizations but also helps them by letting us do their shopping for them.”
This event also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and that there is always a reason to give thanks to God for all you have.
“It will keep you humble and remind you that you have so much to be thankful and grateful for,” Senior Payroll Analyst Brenda Messner said.
“It makes me feel so thankful for what God has blessed me with. I truly am thankful for my loving parents, having a fiancé I feel so safe around and a family who just loves me unconditionally,” Benefits Administrator Emily Purnell said.
Working together as a team for a good cause gave team members a shared sense of purpose tied to Millwood and the surrounding community. This shared sense of purpose and alignment with Millwood’s mission to share the love of Christ impacted all participants involved.
“The team effort is always a plus, and they always do it with joy,” Corporate Chaplain Angie Hyatt said. “It inspires me how you can change those around you with thoughtfulness and showing it in a practical way. The receivers are so appreciative.”
The experience of giving back also underscored the company’s commitment to its values.
“I love that Millwood allows us to be a part of their donation. It is something that gives self-satisfaction as well as teamwork,” Brenda said.
Shop Til You Drop is also an opportunity for team members to spend time in fellowship outside of the office, not only strengthening their bonds with one another but with the community itself.
“I enjoyed spending time with co-workers outside of the office and helping make the holidays magical for people in need,” Emily said.
Millwood’s mission is that all who come in contact with our company would clearly see the love of Christ in all that we do. The annual Shop Til You Drop event is a hands-on, practical illustration of this commitment.
As we enter the holiday season celebrating the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of the opportunity each of us has to reflect His love in the communities we serve and give God all the glory.