By a Gate 15 Team Member
I’m honored and grateful to work for Gate 15, a small veteran-owned business, that consists of a team of professionals that strive to be a contributing partner to the community of homeland security and intelligence professionals supporting organizational and individual security, resilience, and freedom. Gate 15 has a top-notch team that includes military veterans, former first responders, and professionals with unique backgrounds and experience. Gate 15 is extremely supportive in contributing to the communities in which we live. One way this is encouraged is by supporting a paid 40 hours for a community service project annually for all full-time personnel. Team members choose a project they feel strongly about. This provides an opportunity to give back to one’s own community while doing something they feel strongly about.
I had the opportunity and great pleasure to volunteer during the holiday season at Anna’s House in Bel Air, MD. Anna’s House represents the combined efforts of Catholic Charities, Harford County Government and churches, businesses, civic groups, and individuals throughout the county. Anna’s House provides a broad array of homeless services including emergency shelter, transitional housing for families fleeing domestic violence, community supportive housing and rapid re-housing.
As one can imagine, Anna’s House was extremely busy during the holiday season. It was great to witness the generosity of the community during this time of year.
My favorite story was seeing a young brother and sister bring in bags of donated gifts and cleaning supplies that were purchased using money they had earned and saved from their weekly allowances. It was extremely humbling witnessing the generosity of so many people in the community and the value of Anna’s House and what they provide to their families experiencing homelessness.
During my charitable service, I performed a myriad of tasks to include: wrapping presents; receiving donated gifts, food, and supplies; helping to load and transport gifts and food to families in need; and sorting and storing donated food and supplies in the office area of Anna’s House.
It was an honor working with the Anna’s House staff and other volunteers to bring a joyful Christmas to homeless families that would otherwise have had little to nothing.
Working for a company that supports and encourages employees to volunteer in their community is very rewarding and appreciated. I’m honored to be part of the Gate 15 team and already looking forward to planning my service project for the upcoming year.