MUSCATINE, Iowa–In 2014, Bayer Muscatine wanted to try something a little different. Rather than spending money on holiday cards mailed to each of their employees’ families, they opted to send ecards and use the money that would have gone to purchasing and mailing cards to host a party for residents at Muscatine Center for Social Action instead. Inspired to give back, Bayer has continued this tradition. Though the start of the COVID-19 pandemic led to interruptions in both 2020 and 2021, Bayer felt pleased to return to all parts of their holiday tradition this year.
Dec. 12, Bayer served dinner for all of Muscatine Center for Social Action’s residents with a delicious meal from the Rendezvous. “Most of their meals this time of year include turkey and ham – we serve lasagna and chicken breast from the Rendezvous to switch it up a bit!” shared Chris Boar, community outreach coordinator for Bayer of Muscatine. As an additional gesture of good will, Bayer also provided a warm winter hat filled with goodies for people of all ages to enjoy.
The following week on Dec. 21, Bayer provided a chance for the children staying at Muscatine Center for Social Action to have a special holiday celebration just for them. Santa came and visited, bringing special gifts for each of the children staying in the shelter. In previous years when Muscatine Center for Social Action had a large number of children staying with them, Bayer purchased a wide selection of toys to suit the different age ranges of those children. However, a smaller number of children this year allowed them to make more personalized selections. “There were only six kids in the shelter this year, which was a good thing,” observed Boar, adding that this year, “the shelter sent me ideas for the kids,” and Bayer volunteers went out to purchase toys that matched each child’s interest. Santa also provided bags and big candy canes full of tasty treats too.
An opportunity for Bayer to make a difference in the lives of people receiving assistance from Muscatine Center for Social Action over the holidays, Boar always feels good about this opportunity. “It is important to support the community in which we live and work,” said Boar. “It is just a small way for us to give back to those less fortunate.”
After several years of changes, Boar felt pleased to return to all of the holiday traditions everyone at Muscatine Center for Social Action has liked in the past: “With COVID, we were unable to do these types of activities. It feels great to be able to provide these events again. Bayer is committed to improving the quality of life for people!”
