MISO employees have generously donated to our annual Charitable Giving Campaign for more than ten years. Charitable Giving is quick and easy. A few dollars from your paycheck supports organizations like Make-A-Wish, Second Harvest Heartland in Eagan, MN, the Arkansas Foodbank in Little Rock, AR, and Second Helpings in Indianapolis, IN. Sometimes it can be difficult to grasp the impact of small donations. Can one small donation make a difference?

The short answer is, yes. The long answer was demonstrated to us by Second Helpings, headquartered in downtown Indianapolis.

Over the past two years, MISO’s charitable giving donations supported this wonderful organization tackling food rescue, hunger relief and culinary training. It’s a full circle organization that is making a lasting impression in our community.

“I am amazed that in such a short period of time, MISO has made an incredibly significant investment in Second Helpings’ work and supported so many meals, graduates and food rescue operations,” said Alison Schumacher, donor engagement director of Second Helpings.

In two short years, employee donations tallied up to $102,000. That represents a portion of the total charitable giving from the Carmel office. Those few dollars every paycheck have resulted in the following:

• 53,368 meals prepared.
• 571,362 pounds of food rescued.
• 10 people graduating from their culinary program.

 “We are grateful to have an organization like Second Helpings identify the most meaningful ways of addressing the challenges for Hoosier families and individuals trying to meet their most basic needs,” said Ted Vatnsdal, sponsor of MISO’s charitable giving campaign. “Second Helpings enables their clients to turn the skills, resources and food into opportunities to learn, work, and thrive, which accelerates the virtuous cycle we strive for.”

Supporting our communities through charitable giving demonstrates the impact we can have through small contributions. We are in awe of our employees and their commitment to serving. Thank you for accepting the challenge and continuing to show how our collective efforts can create positive change for those in need.