On the Menu: Coffee, Chili, Sandwich and a Smile
4 Jan
Compuware employees and their family and friends at Crossroads.
For dozens of Compuware employees, giving back to the community is the real joy of the holiday season.
Fifty employees volunteered Dec. 18 at the Crossroads of Michigan soup kitchen in Detroit.
Last year was the 40th anniversary for the unique Crossroads operation. Many local soup kitchens are open during the week, but Crossroads is the only Detroit facility open 52 Sundays a year, serving between 600-1000 lunches to low-income residents.
Rev. Saundra Richardson, soup kitchen coordinator, was very grateful to Compuware employees for producing so many meals for the needy.
“You made a difference in the lives of many people with more than 870 meals served,” said Richardson.
Many employees brought their children to Crossroads so they could learn the value of community service.
Janet Misukiewicz, marketing analyst, and her son, Jacob, 16, helped organize the dining room for Crossroads’ upcoming Christmas meal. They also helped prepare turkey and ham sandwiches.
“It was rewarding knowing that someone would benefit from the effort put forth by all the volunteers,” she said. “I was also glad that my son was able to be part of the experience. It was good to know that he walked away with self-fulfillment from making an impact in someone else’s life.
“It was also nice to see a lot of other young people there with their parents,” she added. “Some of them I remembered from volunteering last year. It’s good to see traditions of this nature being instilled with the youth.”
John Ermanni, vice president – finance, had the same sentiments. He brought his 16-year-old daughter, Briana, with him.
“Volunteering at Crossroads helps my family and me put things in their proper perspective and recognize how lucky we are,” he said. “It also allows me to get my kids involved and accustomed to participating in charitable events that give back to the community. They now can see that even though it’s a bit of work, it’s not a chore. It’s fun, and it feels good.”
Both Misukiewicz and Ermanni are committed to Crossroads for the long-term.
Misukiewicz, who volunteered with her son for the second time, says she hopes they can assist next year and whenever the organization needs extra help.
Ermanni, and his family members, volunteered for the third time. Asked whether he plans on helping out in the future, he said, “Absolutely. We plan to participate every year!”
