Last week, Camden team members and residents from across the country gathered together with friends and family sharing sentiments of gratitude for each other and the causes they care about. On this Giving Tuesday, we were invited to share some of those stories with you.

Michael Young, a Maintenance Technician at Camden Fairfax Corner in Virginia also serves as a volunteer firefighter in his free time. His passion for providing exemplary service to Camden residents and the community is inspiring. Michael spoke about the importance of giving back, “Volunteering has always been important to me, and something that I do throughout the year. At Thanksgiving time, I especially reflect on how blessed I am and how giving back to others adds priceless value to my life.”

Recently, Michael led a school supply drive at eight Camden communities in the D.C. area, helping to donate over five bins filled with supplies to a local middle school. He looks forward to continuing to help the local community, both at work and during his personal time.

Photo courtesy of Michael Young

Tracy Stegall, Camden’s Senior Regional Coordinator based in Charlotte, North Carolina shared her recent volunteer experience with Little Pink Houses of Hope, an organization that provides free week-long retreats for breast cancer patients and their families.  Being a breast cancer survivor herself, Tracy volunteered for this organization because “As a prior participant in a retreat by Little Pink, I wanted to give back to others.” Tracy said, “Little Pink provides a safe space where patients, survivors, and their families can meet others who are experiencing the same things they are and feel ‘normal’ for a week.

Sharing your story and hearing how others are coping is so healing. Being a volunteer for Little Pink allowed me to make a real difference in someone’s life during this time, and I also got to meet other amazing volunteers who are either survivors themselves, family members of a survivor, or those who have gotten involved in Little Pink just because they believe in their mission.”

As one of Camden’s strongest culture creators, Tracy has inspired hundreds of Camden employees to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness walks, donate to aligned organizations, and show their support by wearing pink in October, and throughout the whole year.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Stegall

Shaun Lambert, a General Manager for Camden in Raleigh, North Carolina has supported many organizations throughout his three years on the Camden Cares Committee. Most recently, he led a team of Camden volunteers at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, where Camden employees sorted and packed fresh vegetables that were included as part of 5,403 meals distributed to local residents that week.

“Growing up my parents always taught me that giving back is one of the best gifts you can give, and this is something my wife and I try to instill in our children as well,” said Shaun. “There will always be people in need and not enough people to help them. Volunteering is an important part of my life both at home and at work. Camden Cares allows me to continue to serve and help inspire those around me to do the same.”

This holiday season, Shaun is looking forward to helping with a toy drive at nine Camden communities in Raleigh, NC, and in the Spring, he will be leading efforts to clean up local parks, supporting Camden’s commitment to the environment.

Photo courtesy of Kristin Misnick

Andrea Wynn, a District Manager for Camden in Houston, Texas is a passionate advocate for supporting military and veteran organizations. During her tenure with Camden, Andrea has led dozens of Camden team members across the country in volunteer efforts supporting active and retired military personnel, including through the Boot Campaign, and also supports other organizations near and dear to her including the Navy Seal Foundation.

Andrea shared, “Especially throughout the Thanksgiving season, my family and I talk about how giving back makes a positive impact on the lives of others, and also makes us better. We use this time to reflect on what we are passionate about and how we can become more involved in our community. So, as everyone sits around the Thanksgiving table, sharing what they are grateful for, use that for not only counting your blessings but also passing those on to others in need.”

Photo courtesy of Krista Ammirato

Camden employees volunteer their time with local organizations throughout the year, including at city food banks, recycling events, park clean-ups, school drives, and housing-related volunteer activities.

Camden's purpose includes improving the lives of our employees and customers - and caring for our communities and the surrounding environment is certainly a part of that great effort. Learn more about Camden Cares by visiting https://www.camdenliving.com/camden-cares.