Linda Aldrich, port closing/quality-control specialist with The Washington Trust Co., recently received the bank’s Community Service Award. Aldrich was awarded $1,000 to donate to a nonprofit organization of her choice. The Community Service Award recognizes a Washington Trust employee who has made significant contributions to the local community, representing the bank’s core value of “community” and serving as a role model for his or her fellow employees.
You donated $500 of your award to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation and $500 to the Rhode Island Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association. Why did you choose those two nonprofits?
I have immediate family members who are inflicted with both diseases. I gave to those charities with the hope of helping others who are affected by breast cancer or Alzheimer’s – to help fuel the research needed to be able to one day cure them.
The Community Service Award recognizes a Washington Trust employee for their commitment to community. What does community mean to you?
To me, community means people coming together to do what is necessary, be it fundraising or volunteering their time, to help those in need or less fortunate.
Why is it important to you to dedicate personal donations of time, talent or fundraising to local charitable organizations?
It makes me feel like I am helping others, in a small way. Also, you get a chance to meet many different people, and it’s fun!
Is there an organization you’ve worked with or a fundraising event you’ve participated in that stands out for you?
I would say the Relay for Life stands out the most. Everyone knows someone who has or had cancer. When they do the survivor’s lap, it is very inspiring to see all those who have fought and won their battle with cancer. •
