(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - The winter holiday season is all about giving back, whether it be to family, friends, or people in the community.

Employees at the Campbell South Plainfield, N.J. plant participated in a community service day in December to close out the year in heart-felt way.

The Spice Plant blends proprietary spice extracts and manufactures flavoring ingredients and the yeast extracts used in Campbell's soups and gravies.

A group of 25 plant employees volunteered at nearby non-profits--Elijah's Promise in New Brunswick, N.J. and Who is my Neighbor? Inc. in Highland Park, N.J. In addition to volunteering at Elijah's Promise, the group organized and delivered a two pallet product donation including Campbell's soup, V8 beverages and SpaghettiOs. 

"We celebrated the season by giving back to others, as well as enjoying our time together as a team," said Molly Martin, HR Representative. "This service day was the first in the plant's history and seems like it may become a tradition."

With nutritious meals, social services and health screening, culinary arts job and entrepreneurial training, and a catering business, Elijah's Promise has been moving people from hunger to wholeness since 1989.
Who Is My Neighbor? Inc. is a grassroots community agency founded in 2003 with a mission to create neighborly care locally and globally.

For their day of service, the employees organized the food pantry and prepared lunch for the soup kitchen at Elijah's Promise. They also fixed electrical problems, organized clothing donations and made minor repairs at Who is My Neighbor? Inc.

"Even in the worst of times, we have the capacity to give back. Sometimes it just takes having an opportunity readily available," said Philip Clay, Plant Manager. "So, we created that opportunity for the team here at South Plainfield and it felt great to share our good fortune, skills and enthusiasm with others."

The group had lunch at the Better World Cafe, a joint venture for both organizations, located in Who is My Neighbor? Inc.'s facility. The cafe was established to make healthy eating accessible and affordable for all. The cafe uses seasonal foods--grown, cooked, and served in ways that make sense for the environment and for the customer's budget.

"While it felt wonderful to give to others during the holidays, there are 52 weeks a year that people need a helping hand. We will continue to grow in our efforts to lend our collective hands in South Plainfield during holidays and regular days," said Philip.