Sandians partner with CA nonprofits to pack snacks for homeless

Sandia’s Community Involvement team recognized Affordable Housing Awareness Month by hosting a volunteer event for California staff on May 1. California nonprofits United Way Bay Area and Open Heart Kitchen shared presentations about homelessness and affordable housing with 28 Sandia volunteers. Following the presentations, the volunteers created 400 snack kits for homeless community members who rely on Open Heart Kitchen for a safe place to sleep.

Volunteers were divided into four teams, led by Melissa Mercier, Virginia Meagher, Audrey Hart and Katie Heller-Evans. “Even a small amount of time spent doing an activity such as this makes such a huge impact,” Audrey said.

“It’s activities like this where I really feel we’re living Sandia’s values,” volunteer Ann Constantino said.

Sandians loaded Open Heart Kitchen vans with boxes of completed snack kits. “This is what collaboration for the greater good looks like,” Community Relations Specialist Michelle Walker-Wade said. “The community service activity proved to be a successful partnership between the Sandia Work Team, Open Heart Kitchen and United Way Bay Area.”