The clatter of canned goods sliding down an assembly line fills the air. A box moves forward, and hands swiftly add items—beans, rice and a handwritten note lovingly placed on top. For Alan Carmichael, Inside Sales Representative, this isn’t just a monthly routine; it’s a mission to make the world a better place, one food box at a time. Through his volunteer work with SERV International—a hunger-fighting nonprofit headquartered near Marietta—Carmichael has helped feed countless families nearby and in Africa. His dedication has earned him the Spahn & Rose Foundation Community Award, which includes $1,000 for SERV International from our Charitable Foundation.
“I’ve seen how something as simple as a box of food can completely change someone’s day—or their life,” Carmichael says. “It’s not just about feeding people. It’s about showing them they’re not alone.”
Carmichael started volunteering with SERV International six years ago after hearing about the organization through his church.
“At first, it was my wife who became deeply involved, even traveling to Africa on mission trips with them,” Carmichael says. “Over time, it became a family effort. When Covid hit, we turned our focus to packing food boxes locally, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives.”
Spahn & Rose Charitable Foundation Community Award
Each year, the Spahn & Rose Charitable Foundation invites employees to nominate nonprofit organizations they passionately support. In 2024, employees submitted stories of their volunteerism, and the Charitable Foundation Committee reviewed these heartfelt submissions to select the winner. The award includes a $1,000 donation to the chosen charity, reinforcing Spahn & Rose’s commitment to higher education, healthy communities and helping at-risk youth.
“Alan’s story and dedication to SERV International deeply resonated with us,” says Lori Hoffmann, Spahn & Rose’s Vice President of Human Resources, who presented the award. “His commitment to feeding the hungry and supporting vulnerable communities embodies the core values of the Spahn & Rose Foundation.”
The Foundation, established in 1950, has donated more than $1.5 million over the past decade to nonprofits nationwide. The Community Award is a meaningful way to spotlight the incredible efforts of Spahn & Rose employees like Carmichael, who make a difference beyond the workplace.
SERV International: Feeding Bodies and Nourishing Souls
SERV International’s mission is to feed the hungry and spread hope through tangible acts of kindness. With food box programs in the Marietta area and an orphanage in Kenya, SERV International’s outreach spans both local and global communities.
Carmichael describes the food box packing events as both efficient and heartwarming. “We gather once a month as a group,” he says. “It starts with flat packs, and then we build boxes assembly line–style. Everyone pitches in, adding canned goods and nonperishable items until we have stacks ready to go. In a couple of hours, we can complete 250 to 500 boxes.”
But these aren’t just ordinary food boxes. “Each box includes handwritten notes or drawings,” he explains. “We want people to know they’re cared for and not just receiving a plain white box. It’s about putting thought and love into every detail.”
The impact of these boxes extends far beyond nutrition. “They help families get back on their feet,” he says. “It’s not just food—it’s a message of hope and support.”
Making a Difference Locally and Globally
Carmichael’s passion for SERV International goes beyond the mechanics of food packing. For his family, it’s a shared mission that brings them closer together. “My wife, son and daughter all volunteer with me,” he says. “It’s an amazing feeling to come together as a family to help another family. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
Locally, SERV International’s efforts have transformed lives in Marietta and its surrounding communities. Globally, the organization operates an orphanage in Kenya, where children receive meals, education and emotional support. This dual focus sets SERV apart, allowing it to address immediate needs while building long-term solutions.
The Ripple Effect of Volunteerism
Carmichael’s six years of volunteering with SERV International have not only enriched the lives of others but also brought personal growth and fulfillment. “Helping others gives you perspective on how fortunate you are,” he says. “It’s humbling to see the impact of something as simple as a box of food.”
For Spahn & Rose, recognizing employees like Carmichael highlights the importance of community engagement. “Alan’s work with SERV International exemplifies what this award is all about—using your time and energy to make the world a better place,” says Jacque Arensdorf, Spahn & Rose’s Marketing Director and member of the Charitable Foundation Committee. “We hope this inspires others to get involved in their communities.”
Looking Ahead
The $1,000 donation from the Spahn & Rose Charitable Foundation will help SERV International continue its mission by purchasing more food boxes for its outreach programs. “Every box packed means another family fed,” Carmichael said. “It’s an honor to support this organization and be part of something bigger than myself.”
For Spahn & Rose employees inspired by Carmichael’s story, the Foundation offers an open invitation to nominate nonprofits for next year’s Community Award.
“Everybody needs a hand up at some point in their life,” Carmichael says. “It’s a privilege to be that hand for someone else.”