As COVID-19 cases surge across California, Webcorians partnered with Rebuilding Together Oakland | Eastbay to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Department Support Manager Diane Oliver, Sr. Executive Assistant Darlene O'Donnell, and Executive Assistant Jackie Myron helped deliver PPE goodie-bags filled with masks and hand sanitizers (generously donated by the Common Humanity Collective) to low-income seniors in Oakland.

Having worked on nearly 25 projects for Rebuilding Together during her 30-year tenure at Webcor, Darlene jumped at the opportunity to help out.

"My favorite part of the day was seeing the seniors' curious gazes turn into bright smiles and waves as they opened their doors to find the surprise packages," she said.

Throughout the day, the team travelled by foot and car to make the deliveries around the neighborhood.

"I was on a mission to deliver all the PPE supplies and get them all done before my shift ended," said Jackie. "It gave me a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing these supplies would help keep the seniors safe!"

Together, the team successfully delivered over 200 bags throughout the course of the day!

While the holidays are often a special time for families, it can be an extraordinarily difficult time for those with children who are facing a critical illness. Throughout December, the Bay Meadows team partnered with There with Care, a Bay Area organization that provides services to families and children during the critical phase of a medical crisis.

The team raised over $1,600 in donations, which came from Bay Meadows team members and the project itself, and collected items for gift bags.

After a month of fundraising, team members gathered to assemble 30 care packages for children in need, including clothing, toys and supplies for babies, and books and games for teenagers.

When the time came to drop off the donations, There with Care was overwhelmed by the team's generosity.

"My favorite part of the initiative was when Yasha dropped off the bags," Project Director Ted Williams recalled. "They were already incredibly happy when he walked in with three bags, only to be surprised to find out there were 27 more!"

During these difficult and unprecedented times, the Bay Meadows team has challenged themselves to appreciate all the things they are grateful for – heeding the advice of Webcor's leadership coach, Tim Rhoades.

"The ability to volunteer as a team in a healthy and safe way was a great chance for the team to find gratitude as one," Ted said.

Food insecurity is an enormous problem in Los Angeles, one that has only been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a typical month before COVID-19, the LA Regional Food Bank provided food to 300,000 people. That number has increased exponentially and is now estimated to be at more than 900,000 people served monthly.

In the past, Webcor's SoCal Community Committee has typically held a Silent Auction at the annual holiday party to raise funds for the local community. Due to COVID, the team opted to take the fundraising virtual.

Webcorians were able to purchase virtual raffle tickets and were subsequently emailed their tickets. On Dec. 18, a live Zoom raffle was held – giving away a variety of coveted items that were generously sponsored by the company and its subcontracting partners.

While unable to meet in person, there was no shortage of generosity!

Together, SoCal Webcorians raised $2,140 for the LA Regional Food Bank, which will go towards over 8,500 meals for LA residents in need.

"Once again, it's a great showing and testament to your gratefulness and generosity," said Senior Vice President Gust Soteropulos. "No one should be without food, and you helped a lot towards reaching the goal of eliminating hunger. Thank you and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!"