Community is a core value at Pond Lehocky. It is engrained in our culture as a firm and as humans. During the COVID-19 crisis, it was important to the firm that we continue to serve our community in as many ways as possible. It is a privilege to represent the hard-working people, many of whom are on the front lines fighting the virus. They have trusted the firm to fight for them and the firm’s partners believe that with this privilege, giving back to the community through educational and charitable efforts is not just an option, it’s a duty.
Empowered by duty, Pond Lehocky partnered with The Share Food Program to aid in the relief efforts. Share is a nonprofit organization serving a regional network of community organizations engaged in food distribution, education, and advocacy.
Share first opened in 1986, part of a national network of Shares dedicated to expanding community access to wholesome, affordable food. Since that time, Share has evolved into a vibrant, high-impact organization, recognized for their strong leadership role in reducing regional hunger and expanding access to nutritious, affordable food across the Greater Philadelphia area. Now that pandemic has hit, Share has expanded its mission to ensure anyone in need of food is served.
“Giving back to the community is our social responsibility,” Pond Lehocky’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Heinz said. “It is rewarding and makes people feel good, but it is also just the right thing to do.”
Last year the firm announced the launch of their Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, giving employees an incentive to get more involved in the community. When the opportunity to give back during crisis was presented staff jumped at the opportunity to safely make a difference.
Small groups of volunteers packaged boxes full of needed food items. Pond Lehocky staff member Perri Spector shared that “every time I placed a can of food into a box or finished taping a box together, I envisioned the impact I had on the people receiving it. I had thoughts of families smiling and laughing at dinner while they were enjoying the food I packed. Those thoughts made me want to work even harder. It is fulfilling.”
“This experience was very humbling and put into perspective how lucky I am to be young and have the means to get by in these difficult times we are living in,” Studio Coordinator Jeffrey Baranosky said after delivering those boxes earlier this week. “Other than living in poverty these elders are now faced with being stuck inside their homes due to their vulnerability of the virus. Thank you for allowing me to give back to our community.”
