Reflecting on Our 2023 Philanthropic Efforts: A Year of Community and Compassion

As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s a time for reflection, especially on how we’ve reached out and made a difference in our wider community. This past year has been another remarkable journey in philanthropy for our company, marked by heartfelt contributions and hands-on participation in various causes. We’re excited to share how our team’s dedication and commitment have helped forge a path of positive change, through both donations and volunteerism.

Impact Through Donations

Our approach to philanthropy this year focused on broadening our reach and deepening our impact. We were honored to support an array of initiatives that resonate with our company’s values and meet urgent community needs. Highlights of our donations include:

• Supporting Hunger Relief: We extended our support to regional food banks, such as Interfaith Food Pantry and Market Street Mission, helping to alleviate hunger in our community and ensuring families have access to nutritious food.
• Championing Education: Believing in the transformative power of education, we backed several educational programs, including the Center for Creative Education, offering scholarships and resources to support students from various backgrounds.
• Environmental Stewardship: We continued our commitment to the planet by funding organizations dedicated to environmental preservation and sustainability, such as 350.org and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
• Advancing Health Initiatives: Contributing to healthcare institutions and mental health causes, like the HealthWell Foundation, remained a priority, aiding in the provision of essential services and research in these fields.
• Annual Donation to Make-a-Wish New Jersey: In a particularly heartwarming gesture, we maintained our tradition of making an annual donation to Make-a-Wish New Jersey. This contribution helps bring joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses by turning their wishes into reality. Our partnership with this wonderful organization is a cornerstone of our philanthropic efforts, reflecting our dedication to impacting lives positively at the most personal level.

The Power of Volunteerism

Our team’s dedication to volunteerism was a driving force in our philanthropic activities in 2023. Here’s how our employees made hands-on contributions:

• Delivering Essentials to Food Banks: Our volunteers took an active role in purchasing and personally delivering much-needed food and grocery items to several area food banks, directly addressing food insecurity in our community.
• Supporting BEAUtiful Farms Animal Sanctuary: We devoted significant time at BEAUtiful Farms, a local animal sanctuary, contributing to the care and well-being of the animals sheltered there.
• Beautifying Public Spaces: Our team engaged in numerous projects at public spaces like Reeves-Reed Arboretum and the Morris County Park Commission, working on maintenance, cleanup, and beautification efforts.
• Hands-On Help at Food Banks: In addition to donating goods, our team members put in valuable man-hours at many of the food banks we supported, aiding in organization, distribution, and other necessary tasks. 

2023 Charitable Donations:

• Kidney Cancer Association
• LAFD Foundation
• Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
• Land Trust Alliance
• Long Island Cares
• Long Island Coalition for the Homeless
• Main Stay Therapeutic Farm
• Make-A-Wish New Jersey
• Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
• Market Street Mission
• Matthew 25: Ministries
• Medical Needs Foundation
• Mental Health Association in NJ
• Morris County Park Commission
• National Alliance to End Homelessness
• National Audubon Society
• The National Council on Aging
• National Immigration Law Center
• National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Navy SEAL Foundation
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• New Hope Food Pantry
• No One Left Behind
• Oceana
• Operation Second Chance
• Partnership for a Healthier America
• Project Self-Sufficiency
• Rainforest Trust
• Reeves-Reed Arboretum
• Roots & Wings
• Rural Advancement Foundation International
• Seeds of Hope
• Semper Fi & America’s Fund
• Sierra Club
• SoftBones
• Sound Start Babies
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
• The Seeing Eye
• The Sentencing Project
• USA Cares
• Waterkeeper Alliance
• Water Mission
• World Resources Institute
• Wounded Warrior Project

Looking to the Future

As we step into the new year, our resolve to make a positive impact remains stronger than ever. We are excited to explore new avenues for giving back and continuing to build on the meaningful work we’ve accomplished.

More to Come in 2024

Reflecting on our philanthropic journey in 2023, we are filled with gratitude and pride. The dedication of our team to making a difference in the world is truly inspiring. We move forward with renewed energy and commitment to our role as a socially responsible business, eager to contribute more significantly in the coming year. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this endeavor, and here’s to making an even greater impact in 2024!