Associates from Ace Hardware, in collaboration with Associated Food Stores (AFS), participated in a meaningful service project at Primary Children’s Hospital on January 9. The objective was to provide support to families facing extended stays at the hospital by offering a warm dinner at the Ronald McDonald House. Despite weather challenges, the event successfully served approximately 75 individuals.
During the project, Ace Hardware team members not only provided nourishing meals but also engaged with patients and families who had been at the hospital for varying durations, ranging from one to four months. The dinner menu included mouth-watering lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and brownies, thoughtfully sourced from Macey’s.
The experience proved to be humbling as participants listened to the personal stories of patients and their families facing hardships and medical difficulties. Many of the grateful recipients returned to express their thanks multiple times. The team of volunteers made enough food to feed the families for an additional night, ensuring that the generosity extended beyond the immediate event. All participants from Ace Hardware agreed that the experience was rewarding and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
Brendon Noble, an ARO operations hardware manager, expressed his admiration for the children and their families. “There are many kids at Primary Children’s Hospital that are battling tough illnesses, and I can’t imagine what they and their families go through on a day-to-day basis. It was so amazing to meet and have meaningful conversations with the families and kids. They are true heroes!”
Ace Hardware and Associated Food Stores are committed to making a positive impact in our communities. This initiative aligns with the company’s values and emphasizes the shared responsibility as good citizens dedicated to improving the well-being of the places we call home.
Ace Hardware, a renowned American hardware retailer’s cooperative, offers a diverse range of products, including tools, plumbing supplies, grills, garden essentials, and home decor. Many members of Associated Food Stores own and operate Ace Hardware facilities, often in proximity to grocery stores or within the same shopping centers.