LAVIDGIGANS Make a Powerful Impact Through St. Mary’s Food Bank Annual Holiday Drive

On November 20, LAVIDVGE employees gathered in our office for a festive fall potluck. Many of us brought dishes, enjoyed a meal together and shared our plans for the holidays. As we sat around, connecting with our coworkers, we also felt immense gratitude that we were able to experience the traditions that bring comfort to our tables.  

While we were privileged to enjoy a lovely meal, many are not, which is why we also focused on how we would support the community and those less fortunate. In addition to office holiday celebrations, LAVIDGE IMPACT also made it a mission to support St. Mary’s Food Bank in their annual holiday food drive. In addition to being a LAVIDGE client, they are an organization we are proud to support both as a company, and individually, given their rich history and enormous impact on the community. 

From November 1st through November 26th, employees rallied together to bring in dry goods and fill up four large boxes with a variety of needed items. 

LAVIDGIGANS donated hundreds of items including canned vegetables, canned fruits, proteins, peanut butter, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, grains and boxed meals. 

By the end of the drive, LAVIDGE not only filled all four boxes, but we exceeded our goals! This food was delivered directly to St. Mary’s and used to serve those within our community who are struggling with hunger. With our support and the contributions of so many others, St. Mary’s was able to provide over 900,000 meals from food drive donations alone. This helped feed hundreds of families statewide during Thanksgiving and throughout the winter.  

“When our company comes together for an IMPACT project that is close to all of our hearts, big results happen and this is a great reflection of that,” says Sandra Torre, IMPACT founder. “The generosity of our employees always amazes me, but moments like these make me extremely proud of the people who work here and their desire to support our community.”  

Why Food Drives Matter More Than Ever 

For hundreds of families in the Valley, food insecurity is a daily reality and one that is heightened during holidays. That’s why coming together as a workplace to support those in need isn’t just meaningful, it’s essential.  

Food insecurity affects individuals and families from all walks of life. Rising food costs, housing challenges, medical expenses and unexpected hardships can make it difficult for people to put meals on the table. Food banks serve as a critical safety net, ensuring that no one has to choose between paying bills and eating dinner. 

With mealtimes centering on many of the fall and winter holidays, it can feel incredibly disheartening if a family does not have the means to create a well-balanced holiday meal or even provide a sufficient amount of food for their family. St. Mary’s and other food banks play a critical role in ensuring families do not have to face these challenges alone.  

Why Support St. Mary’s Food Bank  

St. Mary’s Food Bank has been answering the call to support Arizona families especially during the holidays for decades. Last year, St. Mary’s Food Bank distributed more than 127 million pounds of food across Arizona, working hand-in-hand with over 700 partner agencies statewide. These agencies include food pantries, shelters, schools and community organizations that ensure food reaches people where they live. 

By working with a wide network of partners across the state, St. Mary’s is ensuring those who need support, regardless of where the seek it, have the resources they need.  

And this reach does not just happen through partners; it is mainly because individuals, families, businesses and volunteers step up to do the hard work. Food drives like ours are an important part of how St. Mary’s keeps shelves stocked year-round. 

When individuals, companies, nonprofits and local organizations come together around a shared goal, the impact multiplies. A single donation is helpful, but when dozens of people participate, the results are exponentially amplified. Food drives not only supply meals, but they foster connection, teamwork and a shared sense of purpose. They remind us that generosity is contagious. 

A Culture of Compassion 

Participating in St. Mary’s annual holiday food drive reflects our values as an organization. It shows that we care not only about our work, but about the people who live in our community. These efforts reinforce a culture of compassion, responsibility and generosity.  

When LAVIDGIGANS feel connected to meaningful causes, it fosters pride, engagement and a shared sense of purpose. Giving back together strengthens relationships and reminds us that our collective actions can make a real difference. 

“The holiday drive was a beautiful way to conclude our year of giving,” adds Torre. “We wrapped up 2025 by exceeding our goals and providing hundreds of meals to those in need. We are looking forward to creating more impact next year.” 

This drive, our results and the impact it made is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can ripple outward in meaningful ways.