Franklin Templeton’s business resource groups (BRGs) have transitioned to virtual volunteering, supporting worthwhile causes this holiday season.

“Our employees are generous and have a great deal of compassion all year long. The holiday season is always a time when, even more than usual, people think about those less fortunate and want to give back to their communities. During this unique year, our employees have again shown great support and virtually participated in a number of events benefiting local organizations,” said Kristin Kosmides, the company’s head of global citizenship.

Franklin Templeton’s HOLA BRG, which represents Hispanic / Latino employees, has partnered with La Familia Counseling Center for the third year in a row to sponsor Adopt-A-Child, an annual program that provides gifts to children and their families in Sacramento, California, USA. Over 90 families have been adopted from the area in partnership with La Familia.

Employees in Franklin Templeton’s Poznan, Poland office organized “Swiateczna Paczka / Christmas Gift,” an annual initiative to support local charities, orphanages and nursing homes. Employees engaged in multiple volunteer opportunities, including online auctions, drives to collect toiletries and used laptops, and virtual fundraisers.

To support current members of the U.S. military as well as veterans, Franklin Templeton’s Veterans BRG formed a partnership with Soldiers’ Angels. Volunteers donated needed items and cards for 300 holiday stockings to be delivered to Veterans Affairs hospitals and deployed service members.

Additionally, to honor and remember those who served, Franklin Templeton sponsored Wreaths Across America, providing funding for 100 wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C. At the same time, the Veterans BRG coordinated an employee campaign to raise funds to donate wreaths to national cemeteries of their choosing.

“This year, there has been a big increase in the number of families in need around the world. Our employees and their kind-hearted support of these worthwhile programs has made a difference in the lives of many people,” Kosmides concluded.