When winter hits New England, warmth becomes more than a simple comfort; it becomes a necessity. This season, employees at our Bedford, Massachusetts, site partnered with Caring Partners: Coats for Kids & Families to help ensure local families had what they needed to face the cold.
Led by our Women’s Employee Resource Group, the Bedford coat drive collected 52 coats, marking growth from its first year and reflecting strong engagement across the site. We placed donation boxes throughout the facility, making it easy for employees, and their families, to participate.
The initiative was inspired by both practicality and purpose. Caring Partners makes giving accessible by handling cleaning and distribution through local partners like Anton’s Cleaners. That simplicity allows donors to focus on what matters: helping others.
For Women’s ERG leader Suelinda Say, the drive is deeply meaningful. As someone who relied on donated coats growing up, she knows the power of community support. A donated coat may be old to one person, but it can feel brand new to someone who needs it.
Beyond the tangible impact, Laura Branco, Continuous Improvement Leader in HR and Women’s ERG leader, emphasized that the drive strengthened connections within the workplace. Colleagues shared stories, involved their families, and found common ground through service. These moments of shared purpose help build stronger teams and a more connected culture.
Community initiatives like this are a reminder that impact doesn’t always require big budgets or complex programs. Sometimes, meaningful change starts with a simple act of generosity and a group of people willing to show up.