What Makes a Perfect Thanksgiving?

The holidays are a perfect time to gather with loved ones and reflect on all that we are grateful for.

For Charmeka "Meca" Brown, the holidays aren't just about having grateful thoughts; it’s about putting these thoughts into action by helping those in need.

Brown, along with her  colleagues on the technical customer service team -- Jared Ellis, Tishaun Ophelia and Kathy Ross -- organized a food drive that will bring holiday joy to many in need this season.

The Power of Gratitude
Brown coordinated a shopping list of suggested nonperishable items, including gift cards to local supermarkets.

She knew her fellow teammates would bring in the goods for a food drive, but she decided to take it a step further by adding a special incentive: rewarding food with more food.

The Verizon team with the largest number of donations would win a pizza and a movie party. Team members were eligible to win an individual prize as well -- for every 10 individual items donated, members were entered into a drawing for a gift card.

It's no surprise that the food came rolling in. 

A Culture of Giving
Over 3,400 items – food and wireless phones – were donated to the Transition Family Violence Services center, a nonprofit organization that assists families dealing with domestic violence situations.

Thanks to Brown and her teammates, these families will enjoy a wonderful holiday feast this year.

This culture of giving is instilled year-round at Verizon, but it’s especially prevalent during the holidays, where the spirit of giving goes a long way.

"This was absolutely awesome work by the team and represents our Verizon team culture at its best,” says Curtis Adamson, director of technical customer service.