Visitors to our office and website will notice that we are proud supporters of Operation Gratitude (OG). CHQS has taken on Operation Gratitude as its main focus to support our core value of Living is Giving. Operation Gratitude seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. CHQS appreciates the work of our military and first responders.
One of our team’s favorite parts of this partnership is supporting the Battalion Buddy program. Battalion Buddies are stuffed bears that are given to the children of recently deployed military personnel. CHQS builds the bears for Operation Gratitude, who then sends them directly to the children. Recently, CEO Dan Strull, CFO Christianne Strull and IT Analyst, John McMillan visited Woodland Hills Elementary School and, along with 40-plus energetic second graders, built 100 bears and wrote more than 40 “thank you” letters to military personnel. The students were very excited about creating bears for children just like them, but who are facing long stretches of time without Mom or Dad. Each bear was sent off with one final hug.
In addition to volunteering time and bears, CHQS has donated office equipment and provided free service for all of the copying and printing needs of Operation Gratitude. We will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. CHQS employees have been encouraged to thank members of the military and the first responders by paying for their meals and coffee when spotted in the community. Every employee is reimbursed 100%.
CHQS also offers two days of VTO (Volunteer Time Off). Employees can use these paid days to volunteer for worthy charities in their communities. In small ways, we strive to improve the lives of those around us.
Attached are pictures of CHQS in action building bears, serving the community and working to bring a bit of sunshine to others.