In 2020, Americans gave a record $471 billion to charities. While the 2021 numbers are still being tallied, experts expect that record to be shattered. Despite ongoing reports of a divided nation, political and pandemic unrest, and rising inflation, people wide and far keep on giving. It begs the question, “why?” The fact of the matter is that giving makes you feel good, strengthens personal values and community connections, provides a purpose, and impacts the world around you. Now really, who wouldn’t want that?
At MBK senior living communities, residents find purpose and positively impact their local communities through our Yoi Shigoto Gives Back program. Residents and team members are encouraged to share which worthwhile causes and organizations they’d like to support. For some, it’s charities they’ve long been a part of; for others, it’s supporting a new community need. Through collaborative efforts, they have helped veterans, at-risk youth, the homeless, foster children, animal shelters, first responders, individuals and families living with cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and so much more.
Take, for example, the most recent Giving Day holiday. MBK communities supported Meals on Wheels, All Kids Win, Arizona Animal Welfare, Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home, and Dallas Ranch Middle School. From collecting monetary donations to canned food to school supplies to clothing items, residents and team members worked together to make a difference and do good.
Beyond Giving Day, residents and team members seek unique opportunities to support their local communities. At Chancellor Gardens, an MBK community in Utah, they hold bake sales to raise funds to support worthwhile goals. They’ve raised monies for bulletproof vests for police and K9 dogs families in need and even purchased a tri-bike for memory care residents.
At Hacienda Del Rey in Litchfield, Arizona, our Director of Sale was recently honored by Litchfield Elementary and Wigwam Creek Middle School for ongoing contributions and promoting students’ academic achievements.
“What an honor and privilege to be recognized by my community partners and the school board members,” said Eric Martinez. “It was a pleasure representing the Hacienda Del Rey team and MBK Senior Living and being known for our commitment to excellence and good work in our local community.”
Residents at The Commons at Elk Grove enjoy a symbiotic relationship through their ongoing partnership with Musical Mayhem, a local nonprofit Children’s musical theater group. According to Executive Director Meggin Cortez, The Commons has sold spaghetti and meatball dinners to local families to raise over $4,000.00 for the theater when the pandemic nearly caused them to close for good.
The giving goes both ways. Every Christmas Party, the kids from the group come and sing to the residents. Musical Mayhem and The Commons joined together during the pandemic to “adopt” a grandparent. The residents and the children would send letters and pictures back and forth. Plus, Anne Marie, the CEO of Musical Mayhem, also sewed over 100 face masks at the beginning of the pandemic for our residents to make sure they were safe.
To learn more about MBK Senior Living’s Yoi Shigoto Give Back program, reach out to an MBK community near you to learn about their latest Yoi Shigoto endeavor!
