Mechanical Systems Inc. (MSI), Salem, N.H., is always on the lookout for new community service opportunities. Adding to its history of working with Habitat for Humanity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club and the New Hampshire Food Bank, last fall the company sought out another worthwhile group to support: the U.S. Marine Corps.
While MSI was inquiring about volunteer opportunities, the local Marines mentioned they needed help collecting new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December for their annual Toys for Tots drive. MSI used company vans to gather donated toys from various drop-off locations and bring them to the Marines’ headquarters, where the gifts were organized and distributed to children in the community.
“Early on in December, we were picking up toys one day each week. But as the deadline got closer, staff spent an entire week picking up the toys from the drop-off locations,” says Brian Hooper, MSI’s vice president of operations. “If we hadn’t collected all the donations in time, the children in need wouldn’t have received them.”
MSI’s involvement with the Marines did not stop there. Normally during the Marine Corps Family Day—which provides families with information on health and life insurance before their loved ones are deployed—various children’s activities are offered. But this year, the entertainment fell victim to budget cuts. MSI stepped in, making a cash donation so the children could enjoy a rock climbing wall, face painting, food and drinks. About 160 families attended the event.
MSI also is in the process of adopting a local Marine company that includes about 150 soldiers. The sponsorship, which kicks off this fall, involves providing soldiers with basic amenities (e.g., socks, lotion and phone cards) during their three- to four-year deployment.
“It’s so important to give back to members of the armed services,” Hooper says. “None of what we do every day would be possible without them sacrificing so much. People don’t always realize this by watching a flash on the news.”
Another cause close to Hooper’s heart is the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He first became involved with the organization after meeting a family on vacation whose daughter was battling cancer.
“The family said their whole trip was perfect. It shows how well the program works when you see a family right in front of you enjoying a vacation through Make-A-Wish,” Hooper says.
This year, seven-year-old Sophia, who is battling a devastating disease, was granted her wish of visiting the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and Disneyland. A lover of animals, Sophia got a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo, and all transportation and accommodations were taken care of through MSI’s support.