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Southwest Airlines Community

Spreading Holiday Cheer through Volunteerism

lskinner
Employee
Employee

During this season of giving, we love to highlight how Southwest Airlines Employees are creating community wherever they are by volunteering their time, talent, and Heart. Ramp Agent, Bill Baracani has supported The Salvation Army of North Texas for nearly twenty years to bring North Texas families much-needed joy over the holidays.

 

One day in 2001, Bill received an unexpected invitation from a Coworker that turned out to be really meaningful: Did Bill want to join her in volunteering with The Salvation Army Angel Tree program? Bill said yes. That one “yes” turned into nearly 20 years of volunteerism, including Bill saving up his time off every year to dedicate several weeks to volunteering around the Christmas holiday.

 

To date, he has volunteered more than 4,000 hours to help the charity at its Christmas warehouse, sorting and grouping “Angel Tree” gifts donated to families who otherwise couldn’t afford to provide a Christmas experience for their children.

 

Dallas Ramp Agent Bill Baracani (center) has volunteered with The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program for 20 years!Dallas Ramp Agent Bill Baracani (center) has volunteered with The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program for 20 years!

 

Bill will be the first to tell you that growing up, his family didn’t have much. But, they always had meals to eat and the assurance of a safe place to sleep each night. The families that Bill serves are at or below the poverty line and don’t always have that security—many are struggling to provide food for their families or pay basic bills. Bill appreciates that The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program eases the hardship a little for those families so parents don’t have to make the hard choice between the electric bill and a Christmas gift for their child.

 

 

Bill’s skill set as a Ramp Agent prepared him well for volunteering in The Salvation Army’s Christmas warehouse. How will you use your unique skills this season to spread kindness?Bill’s skill set as a Ramp Agent prepared him well for volunteering in The Salvation Army’s Christmas warehouse. How will you use your unique skills this season to spread kindness?

 

We hope Bill’s story inspires you to make a positive impact this holiday season by serving with organizations that spread kindness in your communities.