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At DNA, we don’t only share a workplace, we also share a common passion to support our communities through volunteer efforts. While DNA provides annual monetary contributions to various community organizations, we also enjoy the chance to volunteer on a more personal level within our community.
Salvation Army/The Green Chair Project
In an effort to help out the recent tornado victims of Wake County, ten DNA Group employees volunteered at the Salvation Army’s warehouse off of Capital Blvd during the course of three days, April 27 – 29th, 2011.
The Salvation Army’s warehouse is actually shared by a company called The Green Chair Project. Both companies are currently working together to assist families that lost their homes because of the recent tornado. The Green Chair Project describes their mission as, “A safe and comfortable home, combined with a stable job to support a self-sufficient lifestyle, are values that we want to help encourage by providing the opportunity for them to furnish their homes comfortably and economically.” The Green Chair Project is all volunteer-based. Everything we did helps them continue to stay in business.
We all chipped in and did tasks that might seem pretty mundane. Some of us organized packing boxes and materials or organized art so that it was easier to look through. We vacuumed rugs, fixed lamps, and cleaned tables. Our employees swept the floor, moved furniture from the store to the warehouse, cleaned sofas and chairs. We sorted linens, cleaned appliances, and put items on display.
We were inspired by the number of individuals and companies that came to donate goods. Vehicles full of furniture, food, clothes, and bedding continued to flow in and out of The Salvation Army’s warehouse over the course of the three days. Progress Energy even showed up with an SUV loaded with food and clothes. Other businesses, such as Harris Teeter and Burt’s Bees, had donated full pallets and/or cartons of product to the cause.
No matter what task our DNA Group employees were doing or which company we were helping out, the work was rewarding. We all felt a sense of accomplishment aiding the recent victims of the tornado. Both The Salvation Army and The Green Chair Project were extremely organized and efficient at handling volunteers and getting the work completed. We will coordinate other opportunities to work with The Salvation Army and The Green Chair Project in the future. To learn how to donate or help out The Salvation Army of Wake County visit their website http://www.keepthebellringing.org/. To learn more about The Green Chair Project visit http://www.thegreenchair.org/.
2010 found us taking an increasingly hands on approach by actively participating in the following:
Bicycle Drive
From Coasters to Cruisers, 10 speeds to Mountain Bikes, what kid hasn’t wanted a bike for Christmas? For many fortunate kids in the Cumberland County, NC and surrounding areas, their wishes will become a reality thanks to the “Bicycle Man”, Moses Mathis. This year marks the 20th year Mr. Mathis and his merry elves will collect, refurbish and distribute bicycles to needy children at Christmas. In September Santa’s helpers at DNA saluted Mr. Mathis’ efforts by holding a bicycle drive. All told, over 70 bicycles of all sizes and styles were collected and presented to the Bicycle Man. For more information on Mr. Mathis’ efforts, please visit this link: http://www.thebicycleman.com/
Meals on Wheels
For over five years the community volunteers at DNA have supported the Meals on Wheels program by committing to delivering meals once a month. The tradition of support for this worthy program continues into 2011 with volunteers already committed for all delivery dates. To find out how you can support Meals on Wheels in your community, please visit this link: http://www.mowaa.org
North Carolina Special Olympics Summer Games
 On June 5th the sun beat down unmercifully, it was hot and humid. None of the DNA volunteers seemed to mind as it was also exhilarating to see the glowing expressions on the faces of these most accomplished athletes as they crossed the finish line. The DNA gang and their families were there to help with the track & field events for the North Carolina Special Olympics Summer Games. Support for this empowering organization “costs” very little for all that it gives back to both participants and volunteers. We encourage you to “Be a Fan” also, check out this site to find out how you can support the Special Olympics: http://www.specialolympics.org/
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is a non-traditional food bank that collects & distributes perishable items from restaurants, farmers markets, food brokers and other sources. One of the programs the Food Shuttle operates is a Grocery Bag Prep. With this program, volunteers pack and deliver grocery bags to low-income seniors and families. DNA volunteers participated in this program this year with plans to continue participation in 2011. For more information on this organization, please go to this link: http://www.foodshuttle.org/
Coat Drive
 Many of us make a quick decision of which coat to wear as we dash out the door. Yet many others in our communities try to figure out how they will stay warm without any coat at all. To help those in our community who do not have access to coats and other cold weather clothing, we held a coat drive through December 20th, 2010 to benefit the Raleigh Rescue Mission. The Raleigh Rescue Mission provides Emergency Shelter, Recovery/Rehabilitation, Adult Education, Medical & Mental Health services to the poor and homeless of our community. If you would like to help the Raleigh Rescue Mission, please visit their site at: http://www.raleighrescue.org/
In 2010 DNA made monetary contributions to the following organizations:
The Autism Society of North Carolina
The Serving Cup
The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Medical Center
The American Cancer Society
The Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter of the National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Americares
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