The Endeavor people go above and beyond on the line and in their community. Whether that be attending company-sponsored service events, assisting those with disabilities, fundraising money for those in need, and so much more – our Endeavor people consistently lend a helping hand to others. Read below on how several Endeavor employees put hours of volunteer work in each year as we celebrate National Volunteer Month.

LAURA WALKER – Flight attendant, ATL 
Volunteer: Therapeutic horseback riding 

“Back in 2015, one of our recently retired flight attendants reached out to me and said she was going to start volunteering at a new therapeutic horse ranch that was about to open near me called Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy. I didn’t expect fall in love with the program. This program allows those with cognitive and physical disabilities to ride horses while under supervision and support.

One of my favorite things was seeing how something like horseback riding could improve the cognitive and social skills of the rider. It’s amazing to watch these kids that are non verbal and then after months of riding are saying words. It’s just a few words, but to parents that have never heard their child speak, it is everything.

I also do disaster Relief work with multiple different organizations. I’ve done work with Salvation Army, Eight Days of Hope, and Service International. I started doing Disaster Relief back in 2011 after the Joplin Tornado and have been to countless disaster areas since to help with the clean up.

I am a Tennessee Volunteer Alumni so volunteering is just something that I’ve always done, but I do it because I believe life isn’t about what others can do for you, but what you can do for others. One kind act can change a persons life.”

DANETTE SMITH – HR Program Admin, HDQ 
Volunteer: Police Reserves Officer for the city of Richfield, MN  

“As a Volunteer Police Reserves Officer, I help cover 1-3 community events every month. Events include directing/blocking traffic during city events, chaperoning high school football games/middle school dances, helping the police officers with their K-9 demonstrations and doing house checks for people who “snowbird” in warmer states over winter. 

I ‘graduated’ from the Hennepin County Reserves Academy in 2019 and have been volunteering each month since then. I joined this volunteer group because I saw other Reserves officers at the same events that I was already volunteering at as a parent, so I figured I might as well do it in a more formal capacity.   

My favorite part is handing out stickers to little kids and helping them to know that the police are there to be a friendly face and to assist them if they ever need help. I also love how it’s exposed me to new events in my own community.”   

RONALD PIECHOTTE – Captain, DTW 
Volunteer: Good Samaritan Rescue Mission of Bay City, Michigan  

“I volunteer once a month by collecting coinboxes that we have placed at various participating businesses. These coin boxes allow customers to donate their change or whatever they feel is in their heart towards the less fortunate in our community. The Good Samaritan Rescue Mission helps the homeless people of our community find work and permanent housing and get them back on their feet. 

I decided to volunteer my spare time because I became a follower of Jesus Christ.  Jesus says that ‘the least you do for one of these ( poor or or disabled), you do for me.’ The least that I can do is volunteer my time and treasure for Him. My favorite part of this volunteer position is the flexibility it provides and being able to go out in public and meet some really good people. I enjoy doing it!” 

DWANA HUGHES-DAVIS – Flight attendant, LGA 
Volunteer: Green Economy Network 

“The Green Economy Network (GEN) was formed to answer the need for good paying jobs in NYC. Community minded volunteers like myself gathered once a month as part of a ‘think tank’ to discuss how to garner support for employers, workforce development and the trainees in green jobs sector. After four years of hard work and dedication to the mission, we’ve established a jobs board which serves as a clearinghouse for all concerned as well as the public. 

I love the work, the mission and the prospect of being able to change lives by offering lifelong careers.  

Volunteering has been a major part of my life for over 25 years beginning as a big sister in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and with over five other organizations in the past. It’s been so rewarding to assist in providing opportunities through community service to those less fortunate and among peers with the same mindset in the trenches or behind the scenes – it’s always a learning experience.”