If you are an Intern, Co-op, or a New College Graduate looking for inspiration to serve, you’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find stories about ARCO associates who help make a difference in the lives of others and our world.
Like the 40 ABS HR associates in St. Louis who joined forces to participate in ‘Feed the Need,’ a group with a mission to serve the needs of starving children around the world… and Tommy Stratman, Lead Support Specialist at ADB Atlanta, who rocked and rolled up his sleeve to donate blood platelets and plasma every month for five consecutive months… and Ritu Shah, Assistant General Counsel at ABS Legal, Chicago, who is a volunteer and board member of PAWS Chicago, where she generously gives her time to benefit homeless animal rescue and medical care for community pets.
Intrigued? Settle in for examples that just might touch your heart…and inspire you to serve too.
ARCO Construction Company and ARCO Business Services St. Louis Associates Answer the Call to ‘Feed the Need’
On Friday, April 14, 2023, more than 40 ARCO associates joined forces at Edgar M. Queeny County Park in St. Louis County, Missouri, to help serve the needs of starving children around the world.
The ARCO team joined hundreds of other volunteers at the recreation complex, mixing, bagging, and boxing packages of ‘MannaPack Rice.’ The nutrient-rich formula contains rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamins. It is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, and key nutrients culturally acceptable worldwide for anyone over the age of one. Each bag contains six meals.
IMPACT: 698 boxes of MannaPack Rice will provide 150,168 meals and keep 413 kids fed for six months. Congratulations to these associates who gave their time and talent in service to children around the world.
“I particularly enjoy any opportunity that gets all of our St. Louis-based companies together,” said Ellie Maltagliati, SHRM-CP, HR Business Partner at ACC, and team lead for this event. “We had participants from ARCO Construction Company and ARCO Business Services working alongside one another for a great cause.”
Raquel Meyer, HRIS Analyst at ABS Brentwood concurs. “Helping people in need is always the right thing to do and it is only fair that everyone in the world has access to food. I was proud but not surprised to see the strong ARCO presence at this event because it means that we hire people that care about making society better for all of us.”
ARCO Design Build’s Tommy Stratman Gives Selflessly & Regularly to the Red Cross
Tommy Stratman, Lead Support Specialist at ARCO Design/Build in Atlanta, didn’t hesitate. He rocked & rolled up his sleeve to donate blood platelets and plasma every month for over five consecutive months (February through June) at his local Red Cross Donation Center.
According to Tommy, “You get a needle in each arm – the blood goes from one arm into a machine where it spins the blood to separate the plasma and platelets. Then the blood gets put back into your other arm. The whole process takes about 2.5 hours.”
Cancer and cancer treatments can put patients at risk for low red blood cells and low platelet counts, known as thrombocytopenia. Blood and platelet transfusions are a critical part of cancer patients’ care.
While the exact number of lives impacted by Tommy’s generous heart is unknown, Tommy shares, “I know they’ve sent my platelets/plasma to several hospitals and universities, mainly in Georgia and Alabama.”
Tommy concludes, “It’s an easy way to help strangers of all ages going through a hard time. Knowing that I can potentially ease the suffering of a fellow human being and their family is very fulfilling. I believe that it ties in with our first core value, ‘doing the right thing.’ It just feels like the right thing to do for people who could really be struggling and going through a hard time.”
Ritu Shah Gives Pawsitivity on Behalf of Furry Friends
Ritu Shah is Assistant General Counsel at ARCO Business Services Legal in Chicago, and is passionate about her ‘furry friends’ at PAWS Chicago, a national model in animal sheltering animals, and committed to bringing an end to the killing of homeless cats and dogs.
“Adoption of animals and access to affordable medical treatment for community pets is a true passion of mine,” said Ritu. “PAWS is making tremendous strides towards no dog or cat being euthanized as a result of not finding a home. As a volunteer and member of the PAWS Chicago Professionals Board, it gives me immense pride to do my small part towards advancing this mission.”
Ritu recently helped produce the Animal Magnetism Gala, in Chicago, IL. “Animal Mag is a swanky black-tie fundraiser where attendees can bring their pets to the gala,” said Ritu. “I was able to volunteer for the event and help with pre-event logistics. As a member of the PAWS Board, I am also involved with ongoing fundraising efforts for the gala. I am thankful to ARCO for sponsoring the event and purchasing tickets for other ARCO associates (and puppies!) to attend.”
IMPACT: Animal Mag raised over $260,000 which goes towards homeless animal rescue and medical care for community pets.
Ritu concludes, “When you spend time at the shelter as a volunteer, you see the tangible impact that your time has. Plus, you get to play and snuggle with super sweet puppies and cats. PAWS is certainly an organization that tries to do right by community members of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels! Also, seeing the direct, positive impact of ARCO’s contributions has been very fulfilling.”
