At Air Sciences, we believe in giving back. That’s why, in early October, more than a dozen of our employees took a break from their regular work routines to make a tangible impact in their communities.
Across three locations—Portland, Oregon; Golden, Colorado; and Elko, Nevada—these dedicated individuals rolled up their sleeves and dove into volunteer work. Their efforts reflect Air Sciences’ commitment to community service, social responsibility, and team bonding.
Oregon: Packing Food to Fight Hunger
The Portland volunteers headed to the Oregon Food Bank, a vital lifeline for many residents across the state. They spent their day sorting and packing vegetables, including onions, carrots, and zucchini, which were divided into bags for distribution.
For the Portland team, this experience went beyond the physical work. It was a chance to witness the scale of food insecurity firsthand and see how many Oregonians rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. The day highlighted the importance of community support systems and inspired team members to think about how they could continue to help fight hunger.
Colorado: Lending a Hand to Feed the Hungry
In Golden, Air Sciences employees volunteered at the Volunteers of America (VOA) Mission in Denver. They helped clean and organize the space, as well as prepare food to serve individuals in need. The team spent the day ensuring that the people who rely on VOA’s support received a hot, nutritious meal.
For these employees, the day was a reminder of how food insecurity affects people of all ages and backgrounds in the Denver area. It also reinforced the importance of accessible, nutritious food for all.
Nevada: Diving for a Cleaner Environment
In Elko, Holly Saucier (one of our remote employees) took on a different kind of volunteering challenge. She participated in a local “Dive Against Debris” event, working underwater to remove waste from a lake. Holly’s work focused on clearing out items such as fishing lines, hooks, and nets, which harm local ecosystems and are hazards to wildlife.
The Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteer days offer a unique blend of personal, corporate, and community growth. For Air Sciences employees, volunteering during work hours eliminated the need for outside childcare or scheduling changes, making the experience more accessible for our employees.
In addition, the volunteer day strengthened team bonds by encouraging employees to connect and collaborate beyond their usual roles. It also gave employees an opportunity to witness the challenges people in their communities face.
Further, volunteering at different places gave these nonprofits a chance to learn more about Air Sciences; it was an excellent way to network with individuals and organizations outside of our field.
“I thought it was really special to be a part of something greater and work together as a team toward a common goal,” said Lyndsey DeMarco, senior air quality scientist and data analyst, who helped organize the volunteer day. “It was also nice to do some hands-on work and get to know more of our employees outside of work, as most of our day-to-day work is done independently and in an office.”
Air Sciences plans to continue volunteer days semiannually going forward. Thank you to our volunteers for your commitment to serving our communities!
