REFLECTING ON THE BLESSINGS OF 2020
Last year, Shop LC held a writing contest for employees. The theme was “What Delivering Joy Means to Me.” Due to the complications of this unusual year, having the contest didn’t make sense. We are all adapting to a new way of doing things, with the stresses and complications that it brings. However, the show must go on!
For several years now, I’ve had the pleasure of curating the Shop LC blog. It’s my absolute pleasure bringing you the best news and stories about what’s happening in our world. Even in a year unlike any other, it’s my duty and privilege to share what made 2020 outstanding. And, it’s thanks to you, our customers, that we can continue doing what we do and love as we continue Delivering Joy.
CELEBRATING 25 MILLION MEALS
Since 2017, your purchase is feeding hungry kids. Through our partners, we’ve been able to make a real difference in so many lives. And, now, we’re able to celebrate over 25 million meals provided! Without your support, there is no way we would have been able to achieve this amazing milestone.
Want to know how these meals make a difference? Please take a look at this message from a kid who grew up through the meal program run by our partner, Akshaya Patra.
“My name is Giriraj Sharma and my father’s name is Mr. Mangi Lal Sharma. I am the youngest son in a family of three siblings and my parents. Now, I am working as a teacher in the government Girls Senior Secondary School (Kapoorwala) – the very school from where I graduated. I am very thankful to all those midday meals which helped me grow up as a healthy physical, as well as mental, being.”
“A nutritious meal goes a long way, especially for students, who need energy and proper nutrients to give their best in school and grow up fit. I believe there’ll be many more students like me, who will grow up to responsible and healthy adults. A balanced diet is important for every student and I am really thankful to Shop LC who is helping Akshaya Patra in providing healthy, good quality, and tasty midday meals.”
FACE MASK DONATIONS
The pandemic hit us all hard. And, in many parts of the country, our frontline workers are stretched thin, giving their all. You, our customer, shared your concerns starting in January. It gave us enough time to shift our approach and start working with mask and hand sanitizer vendors. As a result, we were able to donate over one hundred thousand masks to healthcare and other frontline workers across 34 states.
We were even able to help our local community. Round Rock Independent School District is part of our local community. Many of our kids attend these schools, and we’re always proud to help. Shop LC was able to provide over seven thousand masks and cases of hand sanitizer to the school district.
“While we are dedicated to meeting our students and staff’s needs to ensure safety, we welcome and are grateful for the support of our community partners like Shop LC who work with us to provide additional aid during times of need,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Flores.
HIGHLIGHTING BLACK VOICES IN FASHION
The events of spring made it clear that we need to do more to support our Black team members. One of our first major steps was sponsoring The Color of Fashion. This virtual panel, organized by HERdacity, highlighted Black voices in the fashion industry. Michelle Washington, the moderator, led a panel in discussing topics like representation, diversity, and inclusion. There were also discussions on long-term advancement, progress, social change, and allyship.
Internally, Shop LC employees are able to learn more about the diverse cultures that make up our workforce through Diversity Chats. In these meetings, various guest speakers help us explore these spaces in a safe way, so that we can build greater understanding and appreciation for one another.
O CHRIS-MASK-TREE
Shop LC is reminding us to all stay safe and healthy this holiday season with a fun and quirky holiday video about mask wearing.
