Our employees bring passion and purpose to their work to support our mission of improving the lives of people every day. Their commitment extends to their communities and neighbors in need, as well. This holiday season, we’re proud to celebrate the ways our employees have supported their communities through hands-on volunteering and charitable giving.

Volunteers of the year

Volunteerism is woven throughout our culture, and, in fiscal year 2025, employees collectively logged more than 63,000  hours of volunteer service.

“The stories we hear from employees about why and how they serve and who they are helping is truly inspiring,” said Jessie Cannon, president of the Cardinal Health Foundation. “On behalf of Cardinal Health and the Cardinal Health Foundation, thank you to all our volunteers. We are grateful for your commitment to serving the communities where we live and work.”

The Foundation recognizes several top volunteers, including (pictured above from left to right) Dusty Dumas, Senior Clinical Consultant, GMPD, Stonewall, Louisiana; Craig Vollmar, Senior Infrastructure Engineer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Diego Armendariz, Director of Strategic Sourcing, Innovative Delivery Solutions, Katy, Texas; Cassandra Sorrell, Quality Assurance Supervisor, Nuclear Manufacturing Services, Parker, Colorado; and Shannon McIntyre, Maintenance Technician, Global Medical Products & Distribution (GMPD), Jacksonville, Texas.

Here, Diego Armendariz shares some highlights of his volunteering experience.

“I began volunteering in my community as a teenager; 30 years later, I’m still at it, supporting a variety of nonprofits in the Houston area.”

Armendariz’s volunteer activities range from coaching youth sports and fostering character development with teenagers to supporting critical disaster recovery efforts. “Through my church and another local nonprofit, I help provide donated supplies and coordinate other volunteers to support disaster relief,” he said. “One particularly meaningful experience I had involved a disaster recovery mission where a team of others and I delivered critical supplies to a flood-isolated hospital (and Cardinal Health customer) that was inaccessible to our product delivery vehicles during a natural disaster.”

Armendariz stated, “I didn’t realize the full extent of my volunteerism until I began to track all the hours. But these consistent service activities can really add up and make a meaningful difference.”

Every volunteer can make a significant impact, and when we consider the collective impact of our employees’ 63,000 volunteer hours, the effect is considerable. The monetary value is nearly $2.2 million, according to Independent Sector, which values every volunteer hour at $34.79.

Team volunteerism  

In addition to our individual volunteers, the Foundation also recognizes the teams at five Cardinal Health locations for their outstanding group volunteering efforts in fiscal year 2025:

• Rayong, Thailand
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Singapore, Singapore
• Tokyo, Japan
• Mansfield, Massachusetts

Above: Our employees in our Kansas City, Missouri, distribution center build water filters to donate to communities with little or no access to clean water.

Over the past year, teams volunteered together in a variety of activities, such as building water filters for communities with little or no access to clean water, cleaning up local beaches, participating in the meal program at Ronald McDonald House, stuffing backpacks with STEM school supplies for children in need, and so much more.

GivingTuesday: A successful internal campaign

Our employees’ generosity also extends to financial support for numerous nonprofit organizations, helping to make the communities where we live and work stronger. For this week’s GivingTuesday, we honored our employees’ spirit of giving by doubling  their donations to charitable organizations and tripling their donations to the Cardinal Health Employee Assistance Fund, designed to aid qualified employees in need of immediate financial assistance following an unforeseen disaster or personal hardship.

Together, our employees’ and Foundation’s single-day impact to nonprofit organizations and the Employee Assistance Fund amounted to more than $410,000.

“Our culture of giving is woven into everything we do,” said Cannon. “Whether it’s donating to a local nonprofit, supporting their colleagues after an unexpected crisis, or championing causes they care deeply about through volunteer service, our employees genuinely embody the values that guide us at Cardinal Health.”

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced five local beneficiary organizations for its Subaru: Gear for Good initiative, which is dedicated to expanding access to and growing the game of soccer. Coinciding with the draw day announcement ahead of the soccer excitement coming to Philadelphia in 2026, the initiative will provide new and gently used equipment to youth in the local Philadelphia and Camden communities, underscoring Subaru and its retailers’ longstanding commitment to community and youth empowerment.

The selected organizations are:

• Capitolo Youth Soccer Club (CYSC) – CYSC uses soccer as a vehicle to instill universal values of fitness, fun, sportsmanship, respect, community, access, and equality. CYSC has a unique approach and philosophy to teaching soccer, nurturing players’ passion by providing an atmosphere in which they are free to experiment, create, and fail, without fear of judgment, resulting in truly fine players and ambassadors of the Beautiful Game.
• Dr. Henry H. Davis School – The Dr. Henry H. Davis School in East Camden is named after a Camden physician, school board member, Camden’s first medical inspector, and first chief medical inspector. His work in the areas of school health and nutrition saved countless children’s lives in Camden City. Currently, the school houses Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade for approximately 475 students of various learning modalities.
• Project Primacy – Project Primacy Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on youth soccer, particularly for Black and Brown children in inner-city Philadelphia. They aim to provide access to sports, mentorship, and other opportunities to support their development. The foundation has been involved in various initiatives, including free soccer clinics, and fundraising events like their “Dribble & Carry” Broad Street RUNdraiser. 
• Safe-Hub Philly – Safe-Hub provides a physically and emotionally safe space for young people to access opportunities and support through soccer-based out-of-school-time programs that focus on personal development, health, education, and employment. Their goal is to bring high-quality sports programming and supportive services to families, providing a one-stop-shop for families to receive support through the stigma-free circumstances of coming to soccer practice.
• Youth Development United provides children from under-served communities with extracurricular opportunities, inspiring them to excel. Specifically, YDU provides children and their families with memorable after-school and weekend opportunities that increase their access to mentorship, wellness, and personal development through various sports and recreational opportunities.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America: “At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter. These organizations are already doing powerful work to support kids through the game of soccer, and we’re proud that Subaru: Gear for Good will help deepen that impact, especially as we head into 2026. Every piece of equipment collected and donated brings us closer to breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for all.”

Each beneficiary was selected for its mission to support local youth through soccer, sports, and development programs. These organizations will receive brand-new gear from Subaru tailored to their specific programs and needs. Through partnerships with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and the youth sports nonprofit Leveling the Playing Field, Subaru is also collecting soccer equipment via its donation bin network, which includes 17 Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, the Union’s home stadium in Chester, PA. This gear will be distributed to more than 100 youth programs on an ongoing basis in coordination with Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Collection will continue through April 3, 2026, as Subaru works toward its goal of distributing at least 2,026 pieces of new and gently used equipment.

Susan Slawson, Commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation: “Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is proud to stand alongside Subaru, the Philadelphia Union, and Leveling the Playing Field in a partnership that puts our young people first. Every day, we see how access to sports can open doors—building confidence, community, and dreams for the future. As we prepare for the world stage in 2026, this initiative underscores Philadelphia’s commitment to giving every young person a chance to truly see themselves in the game.”

As part of the collection initiative, community members throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey can donate new or gently used soccer gear, including cleats, goalie gloves, shin guards, soccer balls, and more, through April 3, 2026, for a chance to win a range of prizes, including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The Subaru: Gear for Good Sweepstakes (official rules) is open to legal U.S. residents at least 18 years of age who live within a 75-mile radius of Subaru Park.

Kaitlin Brennan, Chief Operating Officer, Leveling the Playing Field: “Partnering with Subaru in celebration of the global soccer heading to Philadelphia greatly amplifies our mission – to expand access and equity within the realm of youth sports. This effort provides children with the opportunity to get involved with sports at a young age, granting the chance to experience the holistic benefits of youth sports on their physical, mental, and emotional health.”

Charlie Slonaker, Chief Revenue Officer, Philadelphia Union: “At the Union, we’re committed to making the game accessible to every child who wants to play. The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative helps remove equipment barriers, so access is determined by passion, not resources. With the excitement of 2026 coming to Philadelphia, we’re proud to work with Subaru of America and Leveling the Playing Field to expand opportunities for youth across the area and help continue to grow the game.”

The Subaru: Gear for Good initiative will give even more kids access to the gear they need to join teams, stay active, and enjoy the game. Any surplus donated items will be shared with additional youth organizations throughout the collection period. For more information, including donation locations, eligibility details, and official rules, visit philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

 

About Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union is an innovative, forward-thinking professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and one of Philadelphia’s five major league sports teams. Driven by unprecedented fan support, MLS awarded the Philadelphia expansion franchise rights to Jay Sugarman in 2008 and the Union kicked off its inaugural season in 2010. The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. In 2022, the Union reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history. In 2023, the Union reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, becoming the only Eastern Conference team to reach the semifinals in four of the last five seasons.

The Philadelphia Union is part of parent company Union Sports and Entertainment LLC, which also operates Philadelphia Union II, the Philadelphia Union Academy, Philadelphia Union Foundation and Philadelphia Union Youth Programs. With a commitment to developing youth, the Union has signed 25 academy prospects to homegrown player contracts.

The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester, PA on the banks of the Delaware River. The custom-built stadium is part of the Union’s unique waterfront campus, featuring a historic power plant rebuilt into a 400,000 sq. ft. creative office building, a state-of-the-art Training Complex, over seven acres of professional-grade practice pitches, and the newly announced WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a world-class, 365-day-a-year sports and recreation complex featuring indoor fieldhouse and seven outdoor fields. For more information about the Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com and follow @PhilaUnion on Twitter or Instagram.

About Leveling the Playing Field

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access and equity in youth sports by redistributing new and gently-used sports equipment to under-resourced communities. Founded in 2013, LPF addresses the growing gap between those who can afford to participate in sports and those who cannot, recognizing the high cost of sporting goods as a major barrier.

Through a network of community donations and volunteers, LPF collects and sorts sports and recreational equipment, then supplies it to schools, community programs, and youth organizations across several regions. This philanthropic model not only provides gear but also empowers organizations to redirect limited budgets toward transportation, nutrition, staffing, and program expansion—making youth sports more inclusive and accessible for all.

With LPF’s support, youth programs are able to stretch their resources further. By removing the barrier of equipment cost, LPF helps create more inclusive and enriching opportunities for young athletes. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports.

For more information, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org and follow us @lpfsports on Instagram. 

 

 

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. More than 3,000 full-time and seasonal employees proudly serve Philly residents every day, ensuring the department remains a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit www.phila.gov/parksandrec and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook or Instagram.

Patterson Joint Unified School District (PJUSD) has been awarded a $25,000 Adaptive Sports in Schools Mobility Grant from the Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund to expand adaptive athletic opportunities through the Adaptive Sports Expansion Program. This investment supports PJUSD’s efforts to expand inclusive athletic programming for students with disabilities.

The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund supports public schools seeking funding to start or expand adaptive sports programs and increase access to adaptive equipment for children and youth. This grant provides PJUSD with resources to help reduce barriers and strengthen inclusive athletic opportunities for students with disabilities, reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

Central to the PJUSD Promise, which focuses on integrity, perseverance, inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, is ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have access to enriching, supportive experiences that promote physical wellness, confidence, and connection.

Since launching our districtwide Special Olympics program in 2023, student participation has grown significantly, including the addition of a Junior Special Olympics for transitional kindergarten students. With support from the Bridgestone grant, PJUSD will expand this work by launching a new Fall soccer event serving students with disabilities from kindergarten through the adult transition program, complementing existing Spring and TK events to create year-round inclusive athletic programming.

The grant will fund upgraded adaptive basketball and soccer equipment, wheelchair exercise packs, mobility-focused fitness tools, and sensory and adaptive supports for diverse student needs. It will also support professional development for staff through the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance conference to strengthen their ability to deliver inclusive, adaptive physical education instruction. These investments will allow more than 250 students across 12 moderate to severe special education classes to participate more fully and confidently in physical education and adaptive sports.

To find out more about the Adaptive Sports in Schools Grant or other District events, initiatives, and programs please visit www.patterson.k12.ca.us or call Neil Vento at (209) 895-7771.

• After two wins in a row, the Hull High School Football Team fell to Cohasset, 28-7, on Thanksgiving Day at home. The Pirates finished their season with a record of 4-7.

• Hull High’s winter sports season gets under way in only a few weeks. The Boys Basketball team begins the 2025-26 year on the road against Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m. and then plays Rockland at home on Monday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.). The Girls Varsity team begins on Wednesday, December 10 at West Bridgewater at 4:30 p.m., and then will play Calvary Chapel Academy in Rockland on Friday, December 12 at 4 p.m. The JV squad will be at Rockland on Tuesday, December 16 at 5 p.m. The first meet for the Boys and Girls Indoor Track teams will be on Monday, December 15 at 4 p.m. at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

• For the full schedule for each team, visit https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10611.

• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Wednesday at noon. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

Players must get themselves to one of five US cities and then take a team flight to Tel Aviv. The trip includes a one-week tour of Israel, team preparation in Israel, and competition.

All athletes in the youth sports brackets can qualify for a scholarship, and athletes can learn about that when they contact the team. Each athlete also gets a fundraising site and can get tax-deductible donations.

This is a unique opportunity available for young Jewish rugby players who not only want to play rugby internationally but want to connect with their heritage.

Interested players or parents should contact John Delport at johndelport78@gmail.com to apply or learn more.