North Carolina Society of Certified Public Managers®

By Linda Jefferson, CPM
linda.jefferson@osp.nc.gov

The Society made a conscious decision in 2008 to increase its volunteer efforts. Kim Gillespie spearheaded the effort to collect, assemble, and deliver care baskets to The City of Oaks Convalescence Home in Raleigh. Kim received generous donations from NCSCPM members and Department of Transportation (DOT) employees.

Kim and the Membership Committee held two basket drives, one in the summer and one in December. Kim coordinated the basket drive with Ms. Petra Bowling, recreational services director at The City of Oaks Convalescence Home. Ms. Bowling provided a general list of items needed by the residents and distributed the baskets Kim delivered to the residents. The home had an Angel Tree during Christmas and the baskets were distributed to the residents who did not receive any Angel Tree gifts. The Society donated more than 50 care baskets to The City of Oaks residents who were overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the Society members and DOT employees.

When asked if she considered the basket drives to be a success, Kim replied with a resounding "Yes! -- It was worth it when everything came together."  She said it was lots of fun, she really enjoyed it, and she would like to see another basket drive so others could see how rewarding the project can be.

Kim thanks Beverly Hall and Eileen Dannacker for their help in collecting and assembling the baskets. Beverly and Eileen worked very hard behind the scenes and made sure the baskets were beautiful.

© Copyright 2009, American Association of Certified Public Managers®