As part of our ongoing efforts to support active-duty members of the U.S. military, a group of Arvest associates recently completed another round of Operation Care Package. In its second year, the program uses funds and requested items donated by Arvest associates to provide care packages to service members who are spending the holidays away from family and friends.
The group of associates, known as ArVets, is one of Arvest’s Associate Impact Groups. The groups were formed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion at Arvest and the communities we serve. In addition to providing all associates an avenue to collectively share perspectives, ideas and solutions on ways to enhance the associate and customer experience, the groups look for ways to positively impact others.
The latest round of Operation Care Package raised more than $11,000 and resulted in 112 packages filled with food and snacks, personal wellness and hygiene products, and games for entertainment. Each package also contained a letter of appreciation written by an Arvest associate.
Recipients of the packages are identified by Arvest associates who submit names of service members they know. Additionally, due to the amount of funds and items raised, each recipient will get an extra package for a “battle buddy.” A “battle buddy” is any other service member deployed at the same location.
Because of the success of the first two efforts, Operation Care Package will be a continuous project at Arvest. ArVets already has begun working on another round of packages to be sent to military members in mid-2022.