Thanksgiving always brings a moment to pause and reflect on what we’re grateful for and the connections that shape our lives. At Ideba, one of the things I’m most thankful for is the opportunity to give back. Community service isn’t just something we think about during the holidays; it’s at the core of who we are as a company.
This year, we had the privilege of volunteering across multiple states, meeting new people, supporting local organizations, and seeing firsthand the impact that small acts of service can make. As we look ahead to the holiday, here’s a quick recap of some of the work we’ve been grateful to be part of this year:
Rebuilding After Hurricane Milton and Helene
Although this effort took place just before 2025, it still deserves to be mentioned. After Hurricanes Milton and Helene, we traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida, to help repair damage at Sustainable Family Services – an organization providing mental health, wellness, and educational support to children and families facing significant challenges. We cleaned debris and landscaped the grounds, repainted buildings, and helped build key areas for the kids by installing a sensory path, outdoor play kitchen, music wall, and a garden fence (just to name a few!)
Serving the Community in Coastal Georgia
In February 2025, we volunteered at Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia – a regional nonprofit providing nutritious food to at-risk children, seniors, and families across the region. By the end of the day, we had sorted food for community distribution and helped prepare an incredible 4,000 meals!
Supporting Neighbors in New Jersey
Next, we traveled to Flemington Food Pantry in New Jersey – a nonprofit providing nutritious food, essential items, and resources to neighbors in need. We supported a wide range of efforts, from sorting and distributing food to lending a hand with behind-the-scenes tasks. Most meaningful of all were the warm smiles and friendly conversations we shared with the neighbors who came by.
Giving Back to Those Who Serve
Most recently, our team spent the morning at the Pigeon Forge Fire Station in Tennessee. We cooked breakfast for the firefighters and first responders, spent time in conversations, and expressed our gratitude for their dedication to protecting others – a true reflection of the season’s spirit of service. We also assembled care packages for community members in need, hoping to extend a little extra support and kindness beyond the station walls.
These moments of service made this year truly special and reminded us how important it is to show up for others. We’re already looking forward to all the opportunities 2026 has in store!
Jenna Gieszler – Research Manager
