When the Givens Estates Dining Services team decided they wanted to make a meaningful impact in the local community, they started by asking their team members a simple question: Which local nonprofit organization would you like to support?
The answer was clear. Team members voted to partner with ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry), a longtime Givens Communities partner dedicated to serving neighbors in need through food assistance, housing support, veteran services, and other critical community programs.
The choice was especially meaningful given Givens Communities’ longstanding relationship with ABCCM through both sponsorship and community partnership efforts. After reaching out to coordinate the initiative, the Dining Services team collaborated with the Givens Estates Dining Committee to organize a community-wide food drive.
The Dining Committee played an important role in spreading the word throughout the community and encouraging resident participation. Together, residents and team members generously donated food items to help stock ABCCM’s pantry and support individuals and families facing food insecurity in Western North Carolina.
The impact of the effort extended beyond donations. In addition to collecting food, several Dining Services team members signed up to volunteer at ABCCM on the same day the donations were delivered. Led by David May, Givens Estates Dining Director, the team spent several hours serving alongside ABCCM staff and volunteers.
Reflecting on the experience, Mia, an ABCCM representative, shared her appreciation:
“Thank you all so much for your incredible work today! It was such a pleasure to serve alongside you and the team!”
The success of the food drive and volunteer effort demonstrated the power of community partnerships and the generosity of both Givens residents and team members. While the donated food will help meet immediate needs, the spirit of volunteerism and service shown by those who participated creates a lasting impact that extends far beyond a single day.
As a testament to the meaningful contribution made by the team, Givens Estates has already been invited back to volunteer with ABCCM in the future.
Through collaborations like this one, Givens Communities continues its commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen our region and improve the lives of our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped make this initiative a success!
Learn more about Givens’ partnerships and impact in the community at givensfoundation.org/news.