TEAMING UP TO HELP THE HOMELESS
Jackson MS Hosts Clothing Drive For Jackson Resource Center
OS&D associate YOLANDA GRAY coordinated the challenge as she has done since 2018. “I began working with the Jackson Resource Center my first year here,” Yolanda says. “We participated in a coat drive for a Team Up Community Challenge event, and it went very well. We collected a ton of coats, and associates even donated money that allowed us to go out and buy more coats. We’ve worked with the JRC ever since by taking part in canned food drives, toy drives and things of that nature.” For the past four years, Putalamus White, CEO of the Jackson Resource Center, says she has been able to count on Averitt to help in times of need. “Yolanda and I have been Facebook friends for a while, and she responded to one of my posts a few years ago when we were looking for supplies,” Putalamus says. “Now I know I can count on Averitt to pitch in, especially during the holiday season. Their recent drives helped us begin feeding the hungry and stocking our new building with necessities.” The Jackson Resource Center has long provided food, clothing and care for the homeless in the Jackson area. On May 4, the JRC hosted the grand opening of its new location. The site offers furnished, dorm-style apartments, community restrooms and an industrial-sized kitchen for those needing help getting back on their feet. Along with shelter, food and clothing, the JRC partners with outside In April, our Jackson MS service center hosted a Team Up Community Challenge event benefiting those experiencing homelessness. Our team members collected bags of clothes, purses and an assortment of household items to donate for the Jackson Resource Center’s grand opening of a second, larger location. A SPECIAL WAY TO TEAM UP Our Hickory team recently found a special way to participate in our Team Up Community Challenge, as they volunteered for a Special Olympics event in Morganton, NC. The event featured eight schools and a total of 120 athletes. Remember, the Team Up Community Challenge is an ongoing, year-round event, so we encourage you to let us know how you’re “teaming up” to make a difference! For more information about the Team Up Community Challenge, visit InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp.
Our Jackson MS team recently collected clothing, purses and other household items to donate to the Jackson Resource Center, which helps those who are experiencing homelessness.
agencies and organizations to provide health care, mental health assessments and guidance to becoming independent. “We don’t want to be just a temporary fix,” Putalamus says. “We want to provide people with the knowledge they need to live a better life. With Averitt’s generosity, we’re able to focus on things like booking appointments and helping others get well.” During the recent coat drive, Jackson MS associates earned 26 community service hours, which results in a matching company donation to Averitt Cares For Kids . “I have a passion for helping those less fortunate, and I believe the Jackson Resource Center is a great asset to our community,” Yolanda says. “And, by participating in Team Up Community Challenges, we are able to contribute to Averitt Cares For Kids at the same time. It’s a win-win.” If your team participates in a Team Up activity, share it with us! We want to showcase your photos and stories. Email your hours and snapshots to TeamUp@averittexpress.com and keep an eye out for updates on InsideAveritt.com/TeamUp ! T m
COMMUNITY CHALLENGE matters
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