Pairing with Cheeriodicals, a national team-building company that conducts philanthropic events to benefit hospitals across the country, is a small example of the commitment Andersen has towards making the world a better place. “Andersen is deeply engaged in supporting the communities in which we live and work,” explains Jess Marshall, Marketing Manager at Andersen. “Being able to engage our architect customers in a way that we haven’t before,” adds Marshall, “to do something that’s bigger than all of us is really special.”

This June patients of the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York received two orange wagons and 200 bright green boxes which were assembled by three different groups of AIA Conference attendees. Each box contained age-appropriate magazines and activity books, room decorations, puzzles, stickers and games for the children to enjoy. Meghan Kelly, Child Life Program Director at Children’s explains the role the care packages fulfill, “toys to play with and things to do engage them; and keep them distracted from what’s going on for them every single day in the hospital.”

One volunteer who helped deliver the boxes of cheer was Principal Architect and Designer at Studio 360, Sara Jazayeri. “Watching those kids smiling and they’re reactions,” said Jazayeri, “was food for [the] soul.” 

A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped bring a little cheer to those that need it most. Connecting to the community in this capacity with our architect partners was truly a moving experience.