Samsung employees and their family members make emergency supply kits in support of the Pillow Case Project, created by American Red Cross to increase awareness about natural disaster preparedness and safety for kids, during the fourth semiannual Samsung Day of Service on Friday, May 13.

Samsung employees and their family members make emergency supply kits in support of the Pillow Case Project, created by American Red Cross to increase awareness about natural disaster preparedness and safety for kids, during the fourth semiannual Samsung Day of Service on Friday, May 13.

As a family, my two daughters and I make it a priority to give back. With each of us having a busy schedule, we usually end up volunteering separately, so I was especially delighted when Samsung invited families to Day of Service activities for the first time ever last week. I made my selection – the American Red Cross activity – and brought my 12-year-old daughter, who has made it her goal to volunteer at least 100 hours every year to supporting initiatives in our community. It was the best choice I could have made.

The room was buzzing with Samsung employees and kids. Everyone was happy to be there. Kids were excited to be at work with their parents, and no matter their age, they all seemed to understand the importance of the day. I watched as each parent sat back proudly listening to their children answer questions about emergency preparedness and practice coping skills, as the Red Cross staff taught us how to plan for an emergency and what to do if we find ourselves in an emergency situation. At the end of that session, everyone was clear on how the Red Cross could help if a disaster hit.

Next, we moved onto the Pillow Case Project, and the staff taught the kids the best way to stay safe in an emergency. Each child decorated their own pillowcase, which they could fill at home with the emergency supplies they learned about from the Red Cross. We then filled backpacks with pillow cases and other emergency items that the Red Cross uses when they are helping survivors of natural disasters and other emergencies. This activity helped the kids and parents work as a team and get to know each other while helping their community.

Even though all the parents either worked for Samsung or were spouses of employees, there were a number of them I didn’t know before Day of Service. It was nice to make new friends within the company. My daughter felt the same way. She was happy to give back to her community, reconnect with some of the kids she had met during other Samsung events and make some new friends as well.