A Season of Service at Integris

’Tis the season for giving, and the Integris Team embraced the spirit wholeheartedly. This holiday season, we stepped outside the office and into our community, volunteering with local organizations that make a real difference every day.

One highlight was serving breakfast to those in need at Dorothy’s Kitchen in Salinas, California. Our team offered hot coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, and a hearty egg scramble to the guests. The energy in the room was lively –everyone worked together seamlessly, smiles were exchanged and our shared laughter made the chilly morning feel a little warmer. Dorothy’s Kitchen serves up to 400 people daily, offering breakfast and lunch, and it was an honor to contribute to the incredible work they do for the community.

When asked to reflect on the morning, Kevin Mahoney, Chief Operating Officer, shared, “Though in a perfect world, Dorothy’s Kitchen would be unnecessary, it is hard to come away from working a shift there without a smile on your face – helping provide a warm meal to a group of grateful patrons lifts everyone up a bit, and we were honored to be able to chip in.”

Julie Roth, Integris Advisor, said, “Serving meals at Dorothy’s Place reminded me how powerful simple kindness can be.”

Katherine Woolever, Associate Advisor and Jessica Cutler, Sr. Investment Associate volunteered at a local Toy Drive and Wrap Party, sponsored by the Monterey Firefighters Community Foundation and Pacific Grove Kiwanis, where they helped wrap gifts and donate toys for local children in need.

Amanda Shugart, Office Assistant, volunteered as a chaperone at the Annual Children’s Shopping Tour hosted by the Salinas Chamber of Commerce, where children in need are nominated by their teachers and schools to receive a gift card funded by generous donations from local businesses, community members, and volunteers. With this support, each child is able to shop for items from their personal needs list. Amanda said, “It’s an event I look forward to participating in again for years to come.”

Holiday cheer wasn’t limited to our community on the Monterey Peninsula – our East Coast team members also made an impact. Erik Larsen, Investment Associate, joined his daughter’s hockey team in ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, an organization that depends on its red kettles to support more than 25 million people in need each year.

Meanwhile Jenna Reynolds, Director of Operations, helped install Christmas lights for her community’s Light Festival. Donations from the event supported the Frisco-Buxton Pathway Project, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a safe and accessible pathway connecting Frisco and Buxton, North Carolina. Jenna also partnered with NEST to rescue a cold-stunned sea turtle on her property during the recent cold snap—a reminder that giving back can take many forms, even protecting local wildlife

We’re grateful to support organizations doing meaningful work – and for the generosity of our team members who showed up with open hearts. Here’s to continuing this spirit of giving in the new year.