In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the kindnesses of others. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays things like a door held open for a shopper with arms loaded with bags or that precious parking space surrendered to another driver may go largely unnoticed.

But several times each year my co-workers overwhelm me with their generosity for people they probably will never meet.

We established a community service committee as part of our 100th anniversary celebration in 2009. That committee and spirit remain a visible and robust part of our culture. Each year the team puts together a plan to help worthy causes in our area. Among other things, our employees have participated in walkathons, volunteered at shelters and animal rescues, and gathered items to donate to local charities.

Every December we try to make the holiday season brighter for some local families.

And every December I’m proud to say that I’m a part of a team that does such good work.

This year we sponsored four families from the House of Ruth of Maryland, a local organization that helps victims of domestic violence. Our team donated:

• gifts for the 16 family members and
• gift cards to each family for both a local grocery store and Walmart

Some contributed to this effort by purchasing gift items the families requested and others donated money that our employee sponsors used to purchase the remaining items and gift cards.

And, once again, I’m struck by the kindness of my co-workers.