Giving Back with Barton Adopt-A-Family: A Culture of Care from Humble Beginnings
No matter where you go locally or nationally, there’s always someone in need of some help—the United States has a national poverty level of 11.4%. To put it in perspective, that means that nearly one in eight people live in poverty in our country.
So, what can you do to help? What can we as businesses do to help our local community?
The Importance of Giving Back
Where did you grow up? What school did you go to? Are there any after school programs you went to as a kid?
Now think about the needs of those programs. Were those programs in place because of economic or social gaps? How did these programs benefit you and make you the person you are today?
Giving back to the community you came from or live in is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your time and money—not only does it benefit the community around you, but it can also have many positive impacts on both your personal and professional life including:
- Improved health. Studies show that people who regularly volunteer live longer and have better physical and mental health than those who don’t.
- Sense of purpose. Giving back and doing something good with your money and time is rewarding and fulfilling.
- Gain skills. Not only will you gain people skills, but you’ll also gain valuable workplace skills like patience, resilience, communication, and teamwork.
- Broader understanding. When you step into the lives of the less fortunate, you gain a better understanding of the community around you—what it lacks, what it needs, and how you can help.
There are so many benefits of investing in your community—if you’re not actively involved in giving back, start with Barton Adopt-A-Family.
The Beginnings of Barton Adopt-A-Family
Barton Adopt-A-Family was founded in 2015 by Joan Murphy, now President of the organization, who saw a need in the community and asked her company to use their profits to fill the need with a charity. The new Barton Adopt-A-Family Board then gathered information for local schools and charities to give to families, who filled out their Christmas wish lists and needs.
From the start, Barton’s charity was different from other area charities—the Board voted to spend $150 on each child and give the parents and/or caretakers a $200 gift card for a local grocery store for gas and groceries. The year Barton Adopt-A-Family was founded, they raised over $3,000 and adopted a total of three families in need.
What Barton Adopt-A-Family Provides
Seven years later, Barton Adopt-A-Family is now a 501C-3 organization led by Barton customers, vendors, employees, and individuals that provide gift cards for the following:
- Gas,
- Holiday food and cookware,
- Blankets and bedding,
- Shoes and clothing,
- Hygiene products, and
- Other wish list essentials.
Barton Adopt-A-Family now serves numerous families from local charities and schools including Safe House, Hope House, Colorado Family Life Center, Shop with a Cop, Ronald McDonald House, Denver Children’s Home, and Mountain States Children’ Home.
“The Barton family is very proud of our charity and what we have done for our community,” says Murphy. “We hope we have given children hope and to let them know someone cares about them and that they can have a bright future in life.”
Invest in Your Community Today with Barton Adopt-A-Family
At Barton Supply, we believe in investing in the community that has always supported us and cultivating a culture of care and community service.
Fundraising for the organization continues throughout the year for Barton Adopt-A-Family’s holiday drive and spring and summer Children’s Homes events. Donations will be taken online at www.one.bidpal.net/bartoncares21, in cash, check, and through gift cards.
For more information or to donate online, please visit www.one.bidpal.net/bartoncares21.