On Monday, May 21st more than 150 individuals from Goldman Sachs and their clients came together to show how their volunteer service makes Austin greater! The team supported six service projects in and around Austin.
Volunteers worked with United Way for Great Austin’s Success By 6 team to assemble 1,200 Play To Learn kits with educational materials including books, interactive children’s activities and literature that will assist families in building at-home libraries. These at-home activities not only reinforce the content of Play To Learn sessions conducted with families, they also supply families with appropriate materials to help their child become school ready.
Across town, volunteers worked with Habitat for Humanity on a home repair for a local resident. Volunteers completed exterior repairs such as painting, scraping, siding replacement and trim repair in order to improve accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency for the homeowner.
Partnering with Decker Middle School, one of United Way for Greater Austin’s target middle school campuses, a group of volunteers mentored and provided career and life guidance to at-risk students. Volunteers engaged students in a board game designed to increase the their knowledge of being financially responsible. Volunteers at Decker also worked in teams to decorate and pack 100 school supply kits that will benefit Manor ISD students, whose parents are veterans or are currently deployed.
“I can’t thank Goldman Sachs volunteers enough for all your support. The Goldman Sachs employees and clients were exceptional individuals and had so much to offer our students, “said Becky Lott, Project Mentor Coordinator- Manor ISD.
“This volunteer opportunity was another fine example of how the United Way for Greater Austin has reached out and connected the Manor school district with other business partners. These fine young men and women with Goldman Sachs made a huge impact in the lives of our students in matter of a few hours,” said Principal Robert Peters.
A team of 35 volunteers spent the afternoon helping to beautify the stunning UmlaufSculpture Garden. The projects included weeding and expanding current garden areas, raking, removal of limbs and cleaning the garden sculptures.
The last project location was Caritas, where volunteers prepped a meal for the following day’s lunch. This wasn’t just any meal….this was Shepherd’s Pie, a fresh garden salad, fruit salad and most importantly…..banana pudding! The meal fed approximately 400 clients of Caritas of Austin.
“They were absolutely great! They followed instructions very quickly and worked efficiently. But what I liked most about them was their attitude. I could tell that they were so excited to help the needy and they even wanted to go the extra mile to make the meal the best it could be. I would definitely welcome these volunteers back,” said Chef Aracely Cazares.
United Way for Greater Austin thanks Goldman Sachs for your support of our community!