The Consult

September at HRP is all about giving back and philanthropy. Between our Clays 4 Kids and Clays 4 Cancer events, we’re busy not only making sure our events are fun and successful, but that they also contribute to something greater.

In the case of Clays 4 Kids, that means helping support local organizations that foster career development for children, with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Clays 4 Cancer benefits the American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink campaign in Upstate South Carolina.

Last week, though, was a little something different.

HRP team members and members of our Women’s Employee Resource Group (WERG), including Pursuit Specialist Allyson Mendez; Content Creator Brooke Casella; Recruiting Assistant Leah Yonika; and Principal, Director of Marketing and Administration Alicia Mojica Washington, took a drive over to New Britain High School to deliver care packages to students.

The packages included everyday essentials such as feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and wet naps — items that are easy to take for granted until you don’t have them.

For Alicia, the visit carried added significance. A New Britain High School alumna, she has a personal connection to the school and the community it serves.

“As an alumnus of New Britain High School, this initiative is especially meaningful to me,” Alicia said. “What began as an idea during a WERG meeting became an opportunity to support students in a community that helped shape who I am today.”

That personal connection is part of what makes initiatives like this meaningful. The care packages provided students with something practical they could use right away, but the visit was also an opportunity for HRP to build a relationship with the school and look for ways to support students beyond a single donation. HRP worked with Carolyn Mangiafico, Social Worker at New Britain High School, to help make the effort possible and connect the company with the needs of the students. Working alongside people like Carolyn, who know the students and school community firsthand, can help HRP better understand where its resources and relationships can have the greatest impact.

“At HRP, we believe in creating meaningful impact through both resources and relationships, and we are excited to continue partnering with New Britain High School to support students, faculty, and future career exploration opportunities,” said Alicia.

It’s a simple idea, but an important one: sometimes giving back means providing an organization with financial support. Sometimes it means showing up with a box of supplies. And sometimes it means starting a conversation that could lead somewhere much bigger. For HRP, the hope is that this visit to New Britain High School is the beginning of that kind of relationship.