Local Families Receive Meal Kits through ComEd Volunteer Efforts
May 23, 2024
For 240 individuals caring for loved ones at northern Illinois hospitals, finding quality meals became easier last month thanks to dozens of ComEd employees representing ENABLED, an employee resource group organized by ComEd’s parent company, Exelon.
This past April, ComEd Senior Business Analyst, Kimberly Brown, led 35 members of ENABLED, which stands for Exelon Network for Awareness Benefiting Leaders & Employees About Disabilities, in a volunteer effort to provide 240 meal kits to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). RMHC provides shelter for families with children who need to travel for medical care, as well as wrap-around services during their stay, such as nutritious meal programs, education programs, medical and dental care, and more.
As Vice President of ENABLED, Kimberly spearheaded a critical initiative that assembled meal kits at ComEd’s Energy Solution Center in Oak Brook, with meticulous care so that kits could be disbursed to families caring for children in need of healthcare. “Every item in the meal kits was thoughtfully chosen for breakfast and lunch to meet the diverse needs of the recipients, carrying messages of hope and encouragement,” explained Kimberly.
The ENABLED volunteer team delivered these care packages to families with loved ones at Loyola Hospital in Maywood and Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. “Our journey signifies more than just corporate engagement; it’s about making a meaningful impact within our local community,” added Kimberly.
Personal Inspiration
Kimberly spent much of her childhood in hospital corridors, surrounded by her devoted family “As someone who has experienced medical crises firsthand, I understand the importance of simple acts of kindness during challenging times,” Kimberly shared. “The gratitude of the recipients reaffirmed our dedication to making a difference, one meal at a time.”
“We are so thankful for the support of Kimberly’s team at ComEd in providing 240 Grab-and-go Meal Kits,” said Melanie Keen, Manager of Community Engagement at Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Our families are often on the go, so having meals they can easily take with them to the hospital is critical in ensuring they are provided the nourishment they need to get through the long and often tiring days. The notes of encouragement in each kit added a level of comfort through positivity that our families also greatly appreciated.”
In the end, it was not about the food they delivered. According to Kimberly, it was about the connections they forged, the smiles they shared, and the lives they touched. “Our collaboration with Ronald McDonald House goes beyond nourishing bodies; it’s about nurturing spirits and fostering connections within our community.”
National Volunteer Month All-Year Around
The efforts of Kimberly and ENABLED were representative of the efforts across all the Exelon group of companies, including ComEd during National Volunteer Month this April. ComEd witnessed remarkable engagement from its employees in volunteer activities. More than 890 employees dedicated their time in April, contributing over 3,600 hours towards community projects. These numbers reflect the collective passion and dedication of individuals like Kimberly and her team, embodying the core values of Exelon and ComEd and leaving a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
“Reflecting on National Volunteer Month in April, I am deeply proud of the remarkable efforts of our ComEd volunteers,” said Melissa Washington, SVP of Customer Operations and Strategies at ComEd. “Their selflessness and dedication have left an unforgettable mark on our community, embodying the true spirit of service and compassion.”
For Kimberly and ENABLED, their dedication to serving the community not only shines during National Volunteer Month but resonates throughout the year. This effort stands as a testament to the collective commitment of Exelon and ComEd employees to make a positive impact in the service region and beyond.
