WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) announced that its employees are giving back to the Tampa Bay community this holiday season by volunteering with Tampa-based, social-service agency Metropolitan Ministries, which provides life-changing support to those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless by assisting them with food, clothing, shelter and other vital services.
Throughout December, WellCare employees and their families and friends are volunteering their time as part of the WellCare Associate Volunteer Efforts (WAVE) and the Day of Service program.
Among this year’s highlights:
— Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent – Each holiday season, approximately 18,000 families visit the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent to “shop” for holiday meals and gifts. In November and December, WellCare employees and their families and friends participated in numerous volunteer events to sort donations, organize the tent and assist Metropolitan Ministries’ clients with registration and holiday shopping.
— “Santa Cause” Gift Giving, Wrapping and Delivery – WellCare employees helped fulfill the wish lists of approximately 200 children living in Metropolitan Ministries’ temporary and long-term housing as part of WellCare’s “Santa Cause” volunteer initiative. Employees from more than 50 departments donated more than 5,000 gifts.
— WellCare Community Foundation Donation – Because WellCare associates reached several fundraising goals, including fulfilling every child’s wish list and supporting sales from Metropolitan Ministries’ social enterprises “Inside the Box” and “Hope’s Desserts,” the WellCare Community Foundation will donate an additional $6,000 to support Metropolitan Ministries.