Altria Day of Sharing at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

The heat index rose to 107 degrees on June 28, but that didn't stop the Altria employees from having a great volunteer day at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.  As part of a national contract with the Points of Light Foundation, the West Michigan Altria Group Distribution Company partnered with United Way's Volunteer Center to coordinate a full day of giving back.
 
The theme of the day was “Serving those that Served Us in the Line of Duty.” Altria employees hosted the veterans for a day of entertainment as well as beautifying the landscaping of the 90 acre facility. Twenty-five Altria volunteers participated. Half of the volunteers coordinated bingo games in the morning while the other half of the volunteers improved the landscaping by pulling weeds and planting perennials. Then the volunteers came together over the lunchtime to help host a catered picnic with blue grass and country music for the veterans. In the afternoon, the volunteers switched assignments and half did fun activities with the veterans while the other half pulled weeds, trimmed trees and bushes, and planted perennials.
 
An Altria volunteer had this to say, "Thank you for allowing me to be a service to you and the veteran community.  I am truly moved by your service and humility."  Another volunteer said, "Great experience.  Freedom is not Free!"  One of the veterans responded to the question of how he enjoyed the day with these remarks:  "Wonderful!  Like the 4th of July.  I've been here for eight years and this is the best event we've had.  Well-mannered volunteers and the chicken and bingo were great!"  Another veteran responded, "Well done.  Golly good show!"