On a sunny September day, SOAR365’s Camp Baker in Chesterfield was buzzing with energy. Employees from Altria rolled up their sleeves for our largest volunteer event ever.
Altria partners with the Community Foundation to match corporate volunteers with meaningful service opportunities across Richmond. Camp Baker was the perfect fit for a large-scale event. Altria not only provided volunteers but also funded the project.
“Working with Altria is always a treat,” says Savannah Simonds, Corporate Program Manager with the Community Foundation of Richmond. “They bring the resources and people power needed to make projects possible. It’s so fulfilling to help connect them with nonprofits like SOAR365 and take some of the planning load off, so these wonderful organizations can focus their time and energy where it matters most.”
It was a day of incredible impact. Volunteers painted and reorganized the Lodge and Price House, refreshed campgrounds with mulch and gravel, stained picnic tables, and even assembled brand-new furniture. They also put together LEGO sets for Pediatric Therapy and Adult Day Support and created special holiday therapy kits for children.
In just one afternoon, the group achieved what would have taken our staff weeks to complete. We can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the brighter spaces, safer outdoor areas, and thoughtful therapy resources they created.
“Leading our Altria team at the SOAR365 Camp Baker volunteer event was an amazing experience!” says Elicia Taylor, Altria Contributing Together (act) Ambassador, Senior Manager. “Even in the heat, we tackled landscaping, organized activity spaces, and spruced up the campus—all while building team spirit. Camp Baker’s beautiful grounds and fantastic resources set the perfect stage for us to make a real impact for campers and participants. I’m proud we could add to such a great community, and grateful that act makes it possible for us to give back together.”
“We are so grateful to Altria for their generosity and to the Community Foundation for their partnership,” says John Walker, President & CEO of SOAR365. “This project will help us ensure Camp Baker continues to be a place of joy, rest, and growth for the people we serve.”
Interested in volunteering with SOAR365? Learn more by exploring our website or contact Liz Harris Baker, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at (804) 665-1210 or [email protected]. SOAR365 offers fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals or groups to give back!