WILMINGTON, DE — On June 12, 2024, nearly 1,500 WSFS Bank Associates took a break from their regular duties to volunteer at over 130 community organizations across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This event marked the second annual We Stand for Service Day, a company-wide initiative aimed at giving back through volunteerism.
The collective effort resulted in more than 5,000 hours of service, benefiting numerous community programs and charitable organizations. Vernita Dorsey, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Strategy at WSFS Bank, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “Our commitment to service goes beyond banking. Through initiatives like We Stand for Service Day, we aim to make a tangible and positive impact in the communities we proudly call home,” she said. Dorsey also expressed gratitude to the dedicated Associates and community partners who made the event possible.
WSFS (Nasdaq: WSFS) collaborated with more than 130 organizations throughout its footprint. The companies’ efforts addressed a range of community needs, from food insecurity to providing essential household items.
Evan Ehlers, Founder of Sharing Excess, emphasized the significance of volunteer support in their mission to address food waste and insecurity. “In a world where food waste and food insecurity coexist, Sharing Excess aims to revolutionize food sharing by solving the logistical barriers of rescue and redistribution. We rely on volunteers, such as WSFS Associates, to sort, glean and distribute fresh nutritional food to our neighbors in need,” Ehlers explained.
At HomeFront, an organization supporting families in crisis, the impact of volunteer efforts was equally profound. Gina Davio, Community Engagement Manager at HomeFront, praised the volunteers from Bryn Mawr Trust, a division of WSFS Bank. “Their selfless service at HomeFront’s Resource Network has made a significant impact on our families’ lives. Their commitment and hard work have enabled us to provide food, diapers, household items, and more to countless families in need. Together, we are making a real difference and building a stronger community,” Davio said.
Rev. Tom Laymon, Sr. Pastor, President, and CEO of Sunday Breakfast Mission, underscored the critical role of corporate volunteerism in supporting those in need. “With the hundreds who come to us daily and the thousands that depend upon us for basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing, we need committed corporations like WSFS to provide the essential volunteer efforts to do all the work. In the end, this work brings hope for lives helped and turned around,” Laymon noted.
Volunteer activities spanned multiple counties, targeting diverse needs across the region. In Delaware, events were held at organizations such as Sunday Breakfast Mission, Read Aloud Delaware, and Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding. In Pennsylvania, efforts reached Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Dauphin counties, with organizations like Cradles to Crayons, Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, and Chester County Food Bank participating. In New Jersey, volunteers served in Burlington, Camden, and Mercer counties at organizations including Cathedral Kitchen, Urban Promise NJ, and HomeFront NJ.
The impact of We Stand for Service Day extends beyond a single day of service. It reflects a sustained commitment by WSFS Bank to the communities it serves. By dedicating thousands of hours to volunteer work, WSFS Associates are not just providing immediate assistance but also fostering long-term community resilience and support. This collective effort demonstrates the powerful role that corporate engagement can play in addressing social challenges and improving the quality of life for countless individuals and families.
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