At the Microsoft office in Reno, caring isn’t just a value; it’s part of the culture, especially during the holiday season. Since 2004, the team has made giving back a yearly tradition through The Children’s Cabinet’s Adopt-A-Family program, helping ensure families in northern Nevada experience the joy of the holidays.
“I just saw the need,” says Shea Ryan, Sales Excellence Manager. “This was a direct way for us to impact those in our community, and it’s fun.”
That spirit of generosity has only grown over the years. Kristen Bryan, General Manager, explains that Microsoft’s participation extends beyond gift giving. “Adopt-A-Family really strengthens our connection to the community because it’s not just the shopping and wrapping that we do, it’s also the employee matching we have.”
Through that employee matching, Microsoft extends its impact to support broader community needs.
Bryan recalls one of her favorite memories from the program: “I remember stepping back and watching our entire cafeteria transform into Santa’s workshop. There was wrapping paper, there was tape, people dressed up for the event, there was hot cocoa, and just this excitement and energy to be wrapping for others.”
For David Taylor, Community Relations and Communications Manager, the program demonstrates how any business, large or small, can make a difference. “It’s important for corporations to be good community partners,” he says. “You can start with one family if you’re a small company, or if you’re a medium-sized company, you can pick the right size and fit for what feels right for your company to give back.”
For Ryan, the impact is deeply personal. “We received a thank-you card from a family saying they’d had a really rough year and didn’t know how they’d provide for their kids at all that Christmas,” he recalls. “It brought tears to my eyes. Knowing we made that holiday possible means everything.”
Bryan adds, “The need is real in the Reno-Sparks community. For organizations that have national reach or matching programs, I’d encourage you to use those resources to make a local impact. Join us.”
To learn more about how to participate in The Children’s Cabinet’s Adopt-A-Family program, visit Adopt a Family – Children’s Cabinet.
