A Calling to Help Others
Written for McKesson Medical-Surgical
Elonege Pericles, or "EL" as he's known in the Orlando Distribution Center where he's worked as a material handler for over three years, says that he's always wanted to do something for kids, particularly school kids.
"I know a lot of [children] don't have opportunities to have school supplies," says EL. He chose Haiti as the location he would help, as he felt a certain calling: "God inspired me ... "
Over the years, EL saved his overtime money to buy supplies and his plane tickets to Haiti. He wanted to have a significant amount of supplies before embarking on his trip. Finally this past summer, he visited Haiti in both August and September and delivered the items he saved to school children.
"I cry because I see how the people are standing in line just to get school supplies and it's beautiful to give back but it's sad .... My heart starts to shake when I know I don't have enough items for all the people."
Tracey Charipar Mallari, an Inventory Analyst in Jacksonville, lost her son to cancer seven years ago and has been volunteering at organizations who helped her and her family during his treatment.
"It is very inspirational and humbling to volunteer for families who are battling childhood cancer," she says.
Tracey and over 50 McKesson employees recently volunteered at Dream Night at the Zoo via a sponsorship to the Jacksonville Zoological Society. It's a free night at the zoo for families with kids who have an illness. "This was a great event," Tracey said, "and we look forward to next year. [Senior Vice President, Customer Experience] Brad Hilton and his wife made popcorn!"
The organization that Tracey volunteers at the most is the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund who helps families while their child is going through cancer treatment. This year alone, Tracey volunteered 17 hours for the organization at their holiday party, tailgating party and annual River City EGGfest event. She got McKesson employees to volunteer their time as well at all of these events.
Brian Keller, Director of Sales Training, volunteers regularly at Virginia Voice. which is a closed-circuit radio service that provides news and other spoken words to the sight impaired throughout the state of Virginia.
"Several times a month. I go into a studio and read the newspaper during a live broadcast," says Brian, "It's great fun and I get to meet interesting people who also volunteer there."
He's been reading at VA Voice for about four years. "I was approached by a member of my church who has been volunteering there for a number of years. I went in for an audition, which consisted of reading a few news stories in a recording studio, taking a word pronunciation test, and then was made a volunteer." Keller really enjoys his time helping in his community.
"There are so many ways to volunteer and give back! One can do it financially or with time and talent,” says Keller.
I choose to do both for Virginia Voice, along with several other organizations," he says. "I've been very fortunate to receive all that I've gotten over the years and feel that giving back is the best way to repay that. Karma works! If you don't have the money to give, find time. It will make you feel good!"
Thank you to EL, Tracey and Brian for your stories and for the great work you do for your communities - you are an inspiration to us all!