It’s amazing what you can accomplish in one work day – especially if you don’t go to work. At least that’s what the staff at Michigan International Speedway found out when they reported for work with the mindset of making a difference in the community.
Instead of coming to the track, the staff spread out through Adrian to volunteer their time and talents to four organizations.
“(It) was an opportunity to give back to so many great organizations by volunteering,” MIS manager of Fan Services Jayme Bicknell said. “The staff lives in the area and we take pride in all the effort we put into our community.”
A group of staff members reported to the Daily Bread of Lenawee County, where they prepped and served lunch. They even cleaned up after lunch. The Daily Bread is a Christian, non-profit soup kitchen and food pantry that has been providing nutritious meals since 2001.
At the Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County, MIS workers focused their time on hanging siding and repairing a deck. Habitat for Humanity builds and renovates homes for families who demonstrate a need for housing, ability to make mortgage payments and willingness to partner by engaging in volunteer work.
Volunteers also went to Family Counseling and Children’s Service in Adrian to assist with clerical work for the morning. In addition, the MIS staff sorted donations and organized the pantry. The Michigan Federation for Children and Families works on behalf of children and families and the private, nonprofit agencies serving Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.
A dedicated group of MIS staff members reported to Associated Charities of Lenawee County to work outside and sort donations. Associated Charities strives, through the generosity of the community, to meet the needs of Lenawee County citizens of all ages with respect and without judgment.
All four of the organizations received a grant from MIS Cares to further their work in the community. But it is about more than just monetary gift at the speedway as the staff partakes in volunteer work throughout the year.
MIS focuses on charity through the program MIS Cares. MIS and its sister company Americrown combined donated a total of $774,873 to local service groups and organizations through cash donations, work programs, grants and sponsorships, as well as tickets and merchandise that clubs raffle to raise money in 2014.
