On July 22, I had the opportunity to step away from the usual workday and join several colleagues from the Referral Link Networking group for a meaningful day of volunteerism at the Loaves & Fishes warehouse in Minneapolis.
From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., our group worked alongside other volunteers to sort bulk inventory donated by Amazon and local grocery distribution centers. We organized food, beverages, personal care products, and other essential items to be prepared for distribution throughout the region.
Some volunteers helped create food care packages and personalized grab bags. Others sorted beverages and supplies that would later be shared with members of the unhoused community. There were boxes, pallets, and bright yellow bins everywhere, but there was also a clear sense of purpose behind every task.
What stood out most to me was how quickly everyone came together. We may have arrived as business colleagues and networking connections, but once the work began, we became one team focused on helping Loaves & Fishes serve more people.
Loaves & Fishes supports individuals and families across the region through community meals, food rescue, street outreach, food distribution, and other programs that help reduce hunger and food waste. Seeing even one small part of that operation firsthand made the organization’s impact feel very real.
As the founder of Back2Basics, I believe strong businesses are built through meaningful relationships, trust, and a willingness to support the communities around us. I am grateful to the Referral Link colleagues who invited me to participate and to the Loaves & Fishes team for giving us the opportunity to help.
It was a rewarding day, a reminder of how much can be accomplished in just a few hours, and a good example of what happens when people turn professional connections into collective action.
