Pictured: Dean (far right), with his team from PRG, helping pack boxes at the Mission for our “Thanksgiving Banquet In-a-Box” event.
Dean Flora
Dean, Principal/Founder of Project Resources Group (PRG), has been supporting the Mission for more than 10 years.
Why is it important to PRG to give back to those in need, particularly during Thanksgiving?
We like to give back to, outreach and uplift the community whether through volunteering or financially. I just think that it’s a special time for Americans, in terms of getting together with family and giving thanks for what they have. And so, if there are families that need food or a meal, then we are going to help, even in any small way.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time packing Thanksgiving boxes?
We look at it almost as a competition because we always like to outdo the year before as far as how many boxes we create. We just make it a fun event for us and it’s a great team building exercise for us too. We have new team members every year, so that’s always fun to get them excited about it.
At the end of the day, we usually go to lunch and that’s when we reflect on, “Think about it, we made an impact on 700 or 800 families that just didn’t have the funds this year, or are struggling.” And there’s a good feeling about that and we love the impact.
Why do you think it’s important for leaders like yourself to take time to serve others?
Everybody can contribute and volunteer; there’s no real hierarchy when you’re doing something for the community. I think that is a good demonstration to others to say, “Well, if they can do it, why can’t I?” It’s an equalizer, versus, “Well, they’re a leader, they don’t have time or the interest to do that.” I look at it completely the opposite, where it’s like, “No, I want to go out and help out where I can.”
This post is part of November’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing how Charlie’s journey from brokenness to hope began at the Mission in: Home For Good.
