Closet of Care: Aflac's Employee Philanthropy Initiative Supports Local Students


03/20/2024


The Employee Engagement Team’s Philanthropy Committee at Aflac’s Premier Life, Absence and Disability Solutions (PLADS) had a clear goal: to support their local community directly. Their efforts were focused on creating a streamlined donation process to swiftly provide essential items to students in need.
 
This vision became a reality with the inception of the Closet of Care initiative. Employees from PLADS locations in Connecticut and Florida came together to support this mission. They identified nearby public high schools with a high percentage of students in need and began collecting various items such as school supplies, hygiene products, snacks, and clothing.
 
Since the launch of the program in November 2022, the Philanthropy Committee has implemented an inventory tracking system to ensure continuous support. With ongoing contributions from PLADS employees, the shelves of these schools remain stocked with essential supplies.
 
The Closet of Care initiative aims to alleviate stress among students, recognizing that meeting basic needs is crucial for academic success. By discreetly providing necessary items, the program enables students to focus on their studies and social development without the burden of unmet needs.
 
Maintaining students' dignity and privacy is a priority for the program. Schools have designated spaces for supplies and communicate to students that assistance is available without charge.
 
As the partnership between PLADS and local schools flourished, the need for faster and more efficient supply delivery became apparent. PLADS employees now have the ability to access Amazon Wish Lists for participating schools and order requested supplies directly, further enhancing the support provided.
 
The positive impact of the Closet of Care initiative is evident in both locations. In Florida, the program's success led to a nomination for a countywide Community Involvement Award in the School-Based Partnership Category for Randy Olivo, a PLADS manager who played a significant role in supporting the local program.

Click here, to learn more about the ways Aflac gives back to the community.