The Volunteer Challenge is the largest mobilization of corporate teams aligned with local nonprofits to complete sustainable, game-changing projects in the Lehigh Valley. 2022 marked the 13th year of the Volunteer Challenge, with 30 corporate teams taking on projects to benefit local nonprofits that don’t have the time or the resources to complete these projects themselves.
Isett team members took on two projects this year, dividing and conquering with teams at two sites to benefit The Salvation Army Allentown Corps.
Before & After images of both projects can be seen below.
Project #1: Allentown Corps Kitchenette
The Allentown Corps Kitchenette was in need of an upgrade. Isett met with staff at The Salvation Army to determine upgrades to the Kitchenette Area of the Allentown Corps, where food and snacks are stored and prepared for local children in the after-school and summer programs. Isett team members helped repair the overall space, including adding fresh paint on the walls and stain on the cabinets; painting the doors; and purchasing a folding shelf system to increase the efficiency of the space. Isett’s volunteers for the Kitchenette project included Charley Myers, Chris Hower, Jill Murphy, Mike Kieves, Kiana Diaz, and Mike Keller.
Project #2: Matthew’s Garden
For several years, the team at Isett has come together in support of Matthew’s Garden at the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House. The space holds a vegetable and flower garden and the bounty of vegetables is enjoyed by the women at the Hospitality House to make fresh meals. Matthew’s Garden was weeded, cleaned of debris, and replanted so the women and children staying there can enjoy fresh produce all season long, and have a peaceful place to relax outside of the Hospitality House. Isett also purchased a round outdoor picnic table to offer a place to sit in the garden. Isett’s volunteers for the Matthew’s Garden project included Ashley Eichlin, Kevin Campbell, Brandon Trate, Matt Walter, Gina Bongiovanni, Danika Burgett, Chris Williams, and Chuck Wolf.
The Volunteer Challenge culminates each year with an event to showcase the various projects and raise additional funds for The Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley. View the 2022 Projects Slideshow below to see the impact of this year’s event.