At RAND, giving back to the community is a key part of our culture and a meaningful extension of the work we do every day. Over the course of the year, our team participated in several volunteer initiatives aimed at supporting those in need and strengthening community connections. On this Giving Tuesday, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the collective impact of these efforts and share how we’ve been working to make a difference this fall through our RAND Gives Back program of volunteering and charitable giving.
9/11 Day Meal Pack at the Intrepid Museum
On September 11th, a day of remembrance and service, our team joined thousands of volunteers at the Intrepid Museum for the 9/11 Day Meal Pack event. Partnering with City Harvest and the Food Bank for NYC, we helped pack meals for New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. This annual event serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of giving back to our community.
Volunteer NY: No-Sew Fleece Scarves
In November, our team worked with Volunteer New York! to craft no-sew fleece scarves for the Westchester Continuum of Care Partnership to End Homelessness. These scarves will provide warmth and comfort to individuals in need this winter, demonstrating the impact of simple acts of kindness.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In October, RAND Gives Back supported the Young Survival Coalition, donating $25 for each employee who wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We raised up to $1,375 to support this organization, which addresses the unique challenges faced by young adults diagnosed with breast cancer.
Hispanic Heritage Month Bake Sale
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our team hosted a bake sale, raising $499 through the culinary talents of our staff and their families. RAND rounded up the total to $1,000, which was donated to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to support educational opportunities for Hispanic students.
Ongoing Drives for Our Community
Our commitment to giving back continues with several ongoing drives aimed at addressing critical needs in our community. From food and coats to toys, these initiatives provide essential support and bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Here's how we're making a difference this season.
- Food Drive: Working with City Harvest, we're collecting canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, and other staples to support local food banks.
- Coat Drive: Through our partnership with New York Cares, we’re collecting coats to help keep New Yorkers warm this winter. Last year, we donated over 50 coats, and we hope to surpass that number this year.
- Toys for Tots: Our toy drive is underway, accepting new or gently used toys to bring joy to children in need this holiday season.
Thank You to Our RAND Family
From meal packing to bake sales and everything in between, none of these initiatives would be possible without the incredible spirit and dedication of our RAND Gives Back team. Thank you to everyone who participated, baked, donated, and supported our efforts throughout the year!
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to volunteer or donate to the organizations we’ve been working with and help us continue building stronger, more connected communities.
- 9/11 Day
- Volunteer New York!
- Young Survival Coalition
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- City Harvest
- New York Cares
- Toys for Tots
Isabelle Walsh is Human Resources Manager at RAND
