Do Small Things with Great Love!

As we pondered the best way to celebrate 10 years in business, I felt compelled to do something meaningful beyond the usual mugs, pens and giveaways.  I certainly see the value in these items, but the truth is there are people and organizations that have selflessly supported and encouraged the growth of our business.  It only felt natural to give back to our community that has so generously given to us, and my entire staff at Verify! agreed.

And so in May, we embarked on a journey we call #WeGiveErie.  The concept grew out of a desire to help local non- profits that were important to each of our staff members.  Our goal is to promote the mission of the non- profits and to lend our support through donations of time, money and expertise.  Each month, we will be highlighting and donating to a different organization.  Our chosen recipients are: the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, Gaudenzia Erie, Inc., The Innovation Collaborative, The Achievement Center, Special Olympics, Waterford Lions Club, American Red Cross, Blended Spirits Ranch, Because You Care, Erie City Mission and Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center.

My greatest hope is that our acts of kindness will not only bring awareness to the critical missions of these non- profits throughout the community, but that we will also inspire more business owners to actively engage their staff in their philanthropic efforts.  If everyone gives a little, on a consistent basis, the ripple effects would be felt throughout our community.  If we can get some legs on this concept, we can truly do small things with great love, thus creating a collaborative effort to strengthen our community as a whole.

One of the biggest (and unanticipated!) results for us thus far has been an even greater sense of team here at Verify!.  Everyone has felt a sense of pride for the good we are investing and hope that it will only continue to pour back into our community.  I am amazed by and proud of the team I work with, and how each and every one of them have embraced and internalized this effort in their own way.

Recently, a few of us volunteered to serve dinner at the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.  One of the kitchen’s guests thanked us for being there to feed him and expressed his sincere appreciation for our donation of time.  His exact words were, “I really appreciate this.  In fact, everyone here appreciates it… though some of them are hurting too much to be able to express it.”   Chills… that’s all I can say!

“To whom much has been given, much is expected!”  Many of the business owners I interface with on a daily basis are exceedingly charitable and freely give of their time, money and talent.  By engaging your staff in that same sense of giving, it really allows for exponential investments in our local community.  If you are not already doing so, I would encourage you to consider adopting and adapting a similar program with your business or team.  To learn more or to get involved, please visit our community page.