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January 16, 2015 (Reston, Virginia) – With temperatures dropping to the low teens this winter, the Hunter Mill Coat Closet has too many empty hangers. The Winter Coat Closet, sponsored by Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and Cornerstones, distributed approximately 5,000 donated warm coats last winter season to children and families in need. Ranked as the third wealthiest county in the United States, it’s surprising to learn that there are 1,700 children, women and men that face homelessness in Fairfax.[1] Add that to the 64,600 living in poverty in Fairfax County,[2] and the number of coats donated doesn’t seem to be nearly enough.

If you are familiar with Helios, you know that we are infamous for the color orange. Naturally, Halloween is one our favorite holidays to celebrate. Not only because our CEO loves practical jokes and “releasing her energy” around the office by hiding under desks, behind doors, or any other unexpected places she finds fitting to shout “BOO!” to a casual passerby (not that I’ve ever been a victim), but because it allows us to engage our employees. Utilizing opportunities like the holidays to further engage your team can really make a BIG difference with their experience of your corporate culture.

It’s that time of year again. No, I don’t mean playing catch up on your work while you were out on vacation or figuring out your upcoming Halloween costume. (Can I still get away with being Superman?!?!) It’s Fantasy Football time! Perhaps you participate in a Fantasy sports team in your private life, but have you thought about participating or creating a fantasy team at work? Your department, organization and community may be better off if you do.

While many organizations face financial cutbacks and a reduction in workforce, the staff that remains in place is being asked to do tasks that are not only outside of their job scope, but often times outside of their comfort zone. Add to that, the summer months are now exiting and Fall is making an entrance, along with its shorter days and longer nights, and the feeling that there are not enough hours in the day is a sentiment that is being expressed by many. Therefore, being asked to squeeze in just one more thing, is enough to drive some off the deep end. So, when flyers are posted and emails are sent out asking for volunteers for charitable causes, undoubtedly some ask out loud: “Who has time for that?” While others ask: “Where can I sign up?” Ask yourself, which one are YOU?

I wanted to share the impact of my experience at Camp CEO last week. I participated with 30 other women who were CEOs or executive leaders. We each were assigned a buddy—a high school girl—to mentor during our stay at Camp Winonoa in Hughesville, MD. The girls at Camp CEO are amazing. My buddy's name was Ziggy, a young lady who I immediately connected with because she too is big into community impact and very high energy.