NEWS
Beyond Logistics: Argus Cares is Sparking Change
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Spearheaded by Project Manager Liz Miller, Argus Cares is an employee-based volunteer team that is making an impact in the Metro Detroit area.
Since its inception in September 2023, the Argus Logistics-based philanthropy team has:
- Assembled nearly 70 blessing bags (containing hand warmers, chapstick, protein bars, and other basic items) for the South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless;
- Hosted an American Red Cross blood drive, where 27 pints of blood were collected;
- Adopted a family from Children’s Hospital of Michigan to provide holiday cheer;
- Raised over $1,200 in an office-wide Christmas raffle to pour back into philanthropy efforts;
- Assisted with the gift organization process of Child and Family Charities‘ Operation Good Cheer;
- Participated in a dog enrichment day at Rebel Dogs Detroit; and
- Donated IT supplies to The Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village.
When presented with several questions about Argus Cares, Liz took the time to provide key insights that both internal and potential employees would benefit from. She discusses topics from the motivation behind the team to how the Argus Logistics organization has supported the endeavors.
About Liz + Argus Cares
Aiming for a Local Impact
Q: What was your motivation and inspiration behind starting the philanthropy team at Argus?
A: The motivation for initiating Argus Cares came from Argus Logistics’ continuous desire to make a positive impact in our community. Leadership at Argus shares that same passion, which helped spark the company-wide team. Argus Cares is driven by the belief that everyone has the power to contribute to meaningful change, and our goal is to harness that potential within our organization. Witnessing the challenges within the community inspires our commitment to give back and help those in need.
Q: What specific goals did you set out to achieve when initiating Argus Cares?
A: The primary goal was to create a platform that empowers Argus employees by offering opportunities to volunteer in the local area. We aim to plan at least one event per quarter where we promote internal participation during standard work hours. Thus far, we have not only met but exceeded our target of one event per quarter. Since its inception in September 2023, Argus Cares coordinated a total of 11 events, seven of which occurred prior to April 2024.
Empowered by Argus Logistics
Q: How did you go about gaining support from leadership and colleagues for the creation of Argus Cares?
A: While participating in a focus group, Julia Ting expressed interest in engaging more with philanthropic activities through Argus. I have always had the desire to help people, so her suggestion truly hit home with me. I approached Argus’ CEO, Jeff Lau, and conveyed my desire to lead this initiative. Jeff and Parker Stallard, Argus’ President, were enthusiastic about the idea and continue to play a pivotal role in supporting our initiatives. Once Argus Cares was officially established in the company, the interest from colleagues to join the team was more than I imagined. With team members coming together from different departments with a range of skill sets, everyone has been able to provide substantial support in various capacities.
Q: What strategies did you implement to encourage employee engagement and participation in philanthropic activities?
A: Securing support from company leadership has been vital for our philanthropic initiatives. Argus not only provides financial support but donates company time by encouraging employees to participate during work hours in a variety of charitable opportunities that align with diverse employee interests. This allows Argus team members to have the chance to give back to the community in a way that reinforces their personal missions. In sharing the purpose and outcome of each event through monthly meetings, email updates, and open channels of communication, the entire Argus team can see the impact that comes with supporting Argus Cares.
Q: In what ways do you believe the existence of Argus Cares has contributed to Argus’ culture and overall success?
A: Argus Cares provides employees with meaningful opportunities to give back to their communities, fostering a connection to the company’s values. The presence of our philanthropy team cultivates a positive workplace culture centered around empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. We are continuously building and strengthening our relationship with the communities we serve.
Purposeful Processes
Q: Can you describe the process you follow in selecting the causes or organizations for the team to support?
A: During our first team meeting, each participant brought a nonprofit organization to the table that they would like to see Argus Cares collaborate with. Each organization represented a personal tie to members of the team and brought their passion for serving to the surface. We also consider organizations recommended by the leadership team and through previously formed partnerships. We gather insights about the needs in the surrounding communities by participating in networking events, such as those with the Troy Chamber of Commerce, which enable us to meet various nonprofit organizations. Upon connecting with the local nonprofits, we learn more about the mission, what inspired the start of the nonprofit, and bond on a personal level. We then take these ideas back to the Argus Cares team where we discuss potential collaboration for future initiatives.
Q: How do you measure the success or impact of the team’s initiatives?
A: We measure success by gauging the level of participation in the initiatives by Argus employees. We also look for a high level of enthusiasm for involvement in ongoing events, as well as Argus Cares members bringing new ideas forward for collaboration. When it comes to the impact of our efforts, hearing the gratitude expressed by those we partner with in our community serves as a testament to our success. Our impact is truly measured by direct involvement with each organization. It’s critical for our team to see firsthand just how our contributions are benefiting the local community. Whether that is by measuring pints of blood collected at a blood drive or allowing rescued dogs to have an enrichment area, we measure each initiative independently.
Final Thoughts
Q: Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful experience that resulted from the efforts of Argus Cares?
A: In December 2023, we volunteered with Operation Good Cheer, an impactful experience showcasing the strength of group unity in aiding others. Through the collaboration of hundreds of gift donors; pilots; trucking companies; and ground crew volunteers, this program is possible. Over 20,000 gifts were distributed to more than 6,600 foster children – many of these children experiencing the joy of receiving Christmas presents for the first time. Our team’s involvement consisted of approximately five hours of company time to assist with the process of organizing the donated gifts.
Q: What advice would you give to other individuals or companies looking to start their own philanthropy initiatives or teams?
A: For individuals or companies embarking on their philanthropic endeavors, my key pieces of advice are:
- Take Initiative: Take the first step forward – don’t hesitate to voice your ideas to help the community. Even the smallest actions can create significant ripple effects.
- Identify Your Passion and Purpose: Determine what causes resonate most with you and align best with the company values. This promotes genuine commitment to the cause and will stand through time.
- Lead by Example: By setting a precedent, you can inspire others to join you in making a positive difference in the world, thus demonstrating the power of team efforts in creating meaningful change.
What's Next?
With 2024 well underway, the Argus Cares team continues to surpass its goal of hosting a single event per quarter. The events planned for Quarter 2 thus far include:
- Spring blood drive with the American Red Cross;
- Installation of donated dog playground equipment and a second enrichment day at Rebel Dogs Detroit;
- Collection of feminine products, baby diapers, and baby formula for Grace Centers of Hope women’s program; and
- Sponsorship and attendance at the Troy Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Management Conference.
Thank you again to Liz Miller for taking the time to talk about Argus Cares. It is evident that the philanthropy team is not only important to Argus Logistics and its culture but also to the community.
If your company or nonprofit would like to partner with Argus Cares for future initiatives, please fill out the form below. The team is always searching for local groups to include in our events, as positive change takes all of us!
