At DSM Capital Partners, we believe that giving back to our community is about more than making a donation – it’s about coming together and putting our time and effort toward something that can make a difference. Recently, our team had the opportunity to do just that through an in-house disaster relief kit build in partnership with the United Way of Palm Beach County.
The event began with a presentation from the United Way team, who shared information about disaster preparedness and the important role that community organizations and volunteers play before, during, and after a disaster. As Palm Beach County’s partner for volunteer and donation management during emergencies, United Way helps coordinate resources and support across the community when they are needed most.
The presentation provided a meaningful reminder that preparedness can make a real difference when a hurricane or other emergency occurs. It also gave our team a better understanding of how individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and community partners can work together to help local families be ready.
Following the presentation, our office shifted into action. With participation from colleagues across DSM, we worked together to assemble 250 disaster relief kits. What could have been a straightforward volunteer project quickly became an engaging team experience, with colleagues working side by side, dividing up tasks, and helping keep the process moving. It was rewarding to see so many people take time out of their day to participate and contribute.
The completed kits were then presented to Digital Vibez, a West Palm Beach-based nonprofit organization that works to empower youth in diverse and underserved communities through dance, fitness, technology, and the arts. Digital Vibez has a strong history of supporting children and families throughout Palm Beach County, making the organization a natural community partner for distributing the kits where they can be put to use.
For our team, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was seeing the project come full circle – from learning about disaster preparedness, to working together to build the kits, to ultimately handing them over to an organization that serves families in our local community.
We are grateful to the United Way of Palm Beach County for giving us the opportunity to participate and for the work they do year-round to help Palm Beach County prepare for and recover from disasters. We also appreciate Digital Vibez for helping ensure these kits reach members of our community who may need them.
Most of all, we are proud of the participation and enthusiasm from our colleagues. In just a short afternoon, our team came together to assemble 250 kits that will help provide practical resources to local families when they need them most.
It was a simple way to give our time, work together, and support our community — and a great reminder that when we come together, even a few hours can have a meaningful impact.
