Making an impact is a huge part of the KLR spirit. As KLR has grown and evolved with the times, one thing has not changed, and that is our commitment to bettering our communities.

Every June, Massachusetts CPAs come together for a day of service, offering a helping hand and spreading kindness to our local communities. This year, KLR was delighted to support Somerville Homeless Coalition and The Cambridge Homes, two organizations dedicated to lifting others up. As the saying goes, “When people support each other, incredible things happen.”

“Happiness is sweetest when shared.”’

Somerville Homeless Coalition has been working to combat hunger since 1969. Through their food pantry, ProjectSOUP, they provide healthy, wholesome groceries and meals to 900 families per month.

KLR’s Making an Impact team was so thrilled to spend the afternoon at ProjectSOUP, stocking pantry shelves, organizing inventory and helping clients shop for groceries.

It put a lot of things in perspective for our team.

As KLR partner Jamie Hansen reflects, “Hunger is something no one should ever deal with---and oftentimes food pantries are the only source of free food available. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to help organize and stock the shelves at Somerville Homeless Coalition. Seeing the smiles and relief on their faces as they filled their carts with nutritious food for their families made such an impact on me. It made me even more grateful for the blessings in my own life.”

“Be the hand that lifts others up.”

The Cambridge Homes (TCH) has been a compassionate community for elderly men and women for over 100 years. TCH recognizes that the transition to assisted living can be challenging, and they offer programs, tools and resources to make residents feel safe and at home during this big life transition.

The KLR Impact Team spent the afternoon cleaning and sprucing up the grounds and visiting with the residents. Volunteers were assigned an array of tasks ranging from making bracelets with the residents to sanding outdoor furniture and painting the outdoor stairs.

“Volunteering at The Cambridge Homes was a wonderful opportunity to spread kindness and support to the local community,” reflects Audit Supervisor, Nyree Khojian. “Being able to share moments of joy with the residents through a simple craft was really special. You never know how big of an impact something like that can have on someone’s day.”

Talent Acquisition Manager JP Cambareri also appreciated the chance to make a direct impact on the organization.

“Although food drives, charity walks and golf tournaments make a difference in their own way, being able to make a difference with hands-on work feels so impactful,” says JP. “Spending the day sanding and sealing TCH’s furniture was an opportunity to give back in a concrete, meaningful way.”

The KLR team prides itself on working together to inspire change.

After all, “A helping hand can be a ray of sunshine in a cloudy world.”