At the Gene B. Glick Company, we are committed to strengthening the quality of life and giving back to the communities we call home. As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, we encourage our team members to give back to their communities through volunteerism and empower them to do so through our paid volunteer time off (VTO) program. Our ‘VTO with Heart’ series highlights Glick team members using their VTO to volunteer with organizations close to their hearts.

Ceceily Brickley recently volunteered at Second Helpings in Indianapolis, IN, an organization that prepares nutritious meals for thousands of hungry children and adults every day. She chose to volunteer for this organization because it supports one of the most critical and pressing needs that many in our community face, which is food access. Ceceily also shared another reason why she chose to volunteer at Second Helpings, "At the same time, cooking a tilt of over 200 pounds of food can be fun!"

Second Helpings is predominately supported by volunteers and accepts donated perishable and overstocked food to prepare nutritious meals for those in need. They distribute the meals free of charge through local social service agencies in central Indiana. Second Helpings also trains unemployed and underemployed adults for meaningful careers in the culinary industry.

During her time volunteering, Ceceily spent her day in the kitchen preparing more than 50 pans of hot food that would be distributed to community-based organizations. The day prior, Second Helpings received a large donation of asparagus from a local grocery store. Ceceily was able to pair this with other donated items such as canned chicken, cream, cheese, penne pasta, and spices, and she was able to create a delicious chicken and alfredo penne pasta. "Whether passionate about reducing waste or ensuring neighbors have access to food, Second Helpings is a great place to volunteer," Ceceily said.

After her time volunteering at Second Helpings, we caught up with Ceceily to learn more about how volunteering is part of her life.

How Does Volunteering Impact Your Life?

"I hold service as a core value. There have been so many individual people and organizations that have poured into me over the course of my life. Spending time supporting organizations who do meaningful work for and alongside others in our community feels like a small way I can give some of what I’ve received back."

Ceceily also shared a quote from Marian Wright Edelman: “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time."

What Does Glick’s VTO Mean to You?

"Glick offering VTO allows me to support the organizations and community I care deeply about. Life can be hectic, and while I am not able to volunteer, in this way, nearly as often as I would like, having the opportunity to take volunteer time off helps me to balance my commitment to community with work and family."

Are There Other Organizations That You Work with That You Want Others to Know About?

• Greater Indy Habitat Women Build
• Indianapolis Freedom School Partnership
• Women's Fund of Central Indiana

To learn more about this great organization, visit:

• Second Helpings

If you are a Glick team member and want to use your VTO to give back to your community, submit your VTO request via Paylocity. We also encourage all team members to log their volunteer time and impact on Selflessly to inspire others.