Diandra (D) signed up to volunteer for the first time at Roc Solid’s “Warehouse Wednesday” in January 2022. She knew she would be packing bags for children with pediatric cancer, but when D walked into the warehouse that evening, she was taken aback by the rows of bags and boxes waiting to be filled. D soon learned that every bag to be packed was already assigned to a recently diagnosed child. That image stayed with her, and after watching the organization’s videos on its mission and impact, she left compelled to do more.

Although she was already very active in her church, D felt she had the time, energy, and desire to put into community service. She made a personal goal to dedicate more of her time to the community in 2022. Over the next 12 months, D volunteered more than 110 hours between her ministry, The Way International, and Roc Solid Foundation.

The Way International

As a member of the ministry’s “giving squad,” D identifies and helps those in need. She has replaced flooring, worked on automobiles, and done miscellaneous handiwork for her church members. She also teaches and coordinates a number of classes.

Roc Solid Foundation

In addition to packing “Ready Bags,” D participated in numerous other events, including the annual golf tournament and “Night for the Fight” fundraising events. She also helped build three playsets for children battling cancer and found them among the most rewarding projects. D recalls watching a child see their playset for the first time and its impact on her: “It’s pure joy, and at that moment they are not sick – they are just kids. Do that one or two times, and you are hooked.” D adds, “but once you start meeting the families, not just families with sick children, but families who have endured loss, and still come back and give their time to an organization that helped them through the toughest time of their lives, really speaks to the impact of Roc Solid.”

The Core Community Challenge

In addition to CORE’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) benefit, team members can participate in the Core Community Challenge and earn grants for their chosen philanthropies.

In the third year of our corporate volunteerism program, our team collectively served more than 325 hours. Through the program, D earned a grant based on her volunteer hours, which she donated to Roc Solid Foundation. Other team members also made various grants donated to The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) and Special Olympics.  

We asked D what the Core Community Challenge has meant to her this year: “Not only does the program help me grow as a person and be a better corporate citizen, but CORE supports my involvement in the community by allowing flexibility in my schedule to volunteer.” D added, “I’m happy to do the sweat equity, but to have the company I work for recognize and encourage those efforts is meaningful.”

Congratulations, Diandra, on achieving your personal goal, and thank you for your service to our vibrant local community!