At The Pollack Group (TPG), we believe great work doesn’t start with a brief; it starts with people. When our team is grounded, connected to their communities, and supported as whole human beings, they show up with sharper insights, deeper empathy, and a richer understanding of human behaviors.
That’s why we created Me Days, and why this year, for our 40th anniversary we evolved it into Me and You Days, a dedicated day for our team to give back to causes that reflect who they are and what matters to them. Because when our people are plugged into the world around them, they bring that same awareness and perspective to the strategies, stories, and campaigns we build for our clients.
For our Me and You Days we invited every person at TPG to choose a cause, community, or nonprofit that personally mattered to them and spend the day giving back in their own way. What emerged was more than a volunteer initiative: it was a collective expression of who we are when we show up not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.
Across both coasts, our team brought their individual passions to life: helping new mothers access essential supplies, restoring native habitats, preparing meals for neighbors in need, supporting kids experiencing homelessness, organizing coat drives, strengthening nonprofit communications, and more.
Every act looked different, but together, they created a shared story of empathy, impact, and community.
How Our Team Invested Their Me and You Day
Below are the stories that make this agency who we are, and the heart behind how we work.
Stefan Pollack – Quality Time with PR Minds: Giving Back Through the Power of Communication
For my “Me and You” day, I had the privilege of representing The Pollack Group at PRSA Los Angeles’ Quality Time with PR Minds, a unique day of service where PR professionals volunteer their time and expertise to help local nonprofits elevate their communications strategies. Hosted at The California Endowment, the event connected agency leaders, independent practitioners, and nonprofit representatives for one-on-one sessions focused on storytelling, visibility, and impact. The conversations were a reminder that the heart of public relations lies not in promotion, but in purpose, helping organizations clarify their voice and share it in ways that move people to action.
For The Pollack Group, this year’s participation carried special meaning. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, the event served as a reflection of the values that have guided us since day one, service, collaboration, and community. It was a “Me and You” day in every sense: a chance to listen, to connect, and to use our craft to make a tangible difference. After four decades of helping brands and organizations tell their stories, giving back in this way felt like the perfect way to honor our past, and reaffirm our purpose for the future.
Jacqueline Liu – Little Free Library
As a book lover, it was a real treat to spend a morning volunteering with Team LFL, the volunteer engagement initiative of Little Free Library. I love everything about this concept and clearly, many others do too. There are 1,600 Little Free Libraries in Los Angeles County, and over 150 registered Little Free Libraries in over 120 countries. Each little box is a true treasure chest. Books are here today, gone tomorrow. There’s an unexpected thrill in seeing one of your favorite titles in there. Of course, it’s also delightful seeing how creative some of the designs are. In Westwood, where I used to live, there were three “branches” in a row, each one matching a branch of the U.S. government. My job was easy but essential. I drove to a few different neighborhoods to help locate, photograph, and document various Little Free Libraries. Confirming the locations and conditions of each one is very important because the nonprofit relies on volunteers to help maintain an accurate map and database. No one wants to show up to a location that doesn’t exist and be disappointed. Volunteers watch an explainer video on YouTube, share their notes in a Google Sheet, and identify their coverage areas on Google Maps. What a great day.
Emily Greifeld – Mane Stream’s Annual EQUUS Gala
I recently had the privilege of volunteering with Mane Stream in support of their annual EQUUS gala. Mane Stream is a nonprofit organization that uses equine-assisted activities and therapy services to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges. I mainly assisted with editing copy for the auction, a centerpiece of the night’s fundraising efforts. It was inspiring to see how much care and creativity went into every detail, from the beautifully curated auction packages to the thoughtful touches that made the evening feel both elevated and heart-warming. Being part of an event that brought together more than 200 supporters, each contributing to Mane Stream’s mission, was incredibly meaningful. The passion of everyone involved was evident throughout, and I’m grateful to have played a very small role in an evening that directly supports life-changing programs.
Jennifer Lewis – Putting for Pantry” Golf Tournament
Earlier this year, my husband and I made the decision to move to Massachusetts. Located right outside Boston in a small, seaside, quaint town is Salem: a city filled with history, oysters, and, if you ask some of the locals – ghosts.
Volunteering was already on my radar before our agency decided to dedicate time to a local nonprofit in our efforts to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Lucky for me, I made friends with the bar manager of a local Irish pub who informed me of his passion to start an annual golf tournament in hopes of raising money for a local charity.
From that moment, I helped him with the PR and marketing efforts to raise awareness for the event, which took place on August 11, 2025, at the Gannon Municipal Golf Course in Lynn, Massachusetts, right outside Boston. Pre-event promotion included creating an event flyer that was passed out to multiple businesses across Salem, drafting a media alert, and distributing it to local Boston media in hopes of obtaining coverage.
On-site, I assisted with checking in registered golfers before teeing off, set up the giveaway prizes, and took photos throughout the day of the 18-hole golf tournament. All proceeds from the event, which totaled approximately $10,000, were donated to The Salem Pantry in its mission to increase reliable access to food across the North Shore. The day was a perfect blend of fun, community, and purpose.
Kalli Vetrano – Lasagna Love
For my Me & You Day, I volunteered with Lasagna Love because it reminded me of my grandma, who had a beautiful tradition of cooking trays of food for our neighbors during the holidays. Her kitchen was always filled with warmth, not just from the oven, but from the joy of feeding others.
Those moments taught me that food fills the soul – it’s comfort, connection, and love all in one. So, when The Pollack Group marked its 40th anniversary with a commitment to giving back, I wanted to carry that spirit forward. Even though I managed to burn my hand in the process, it was worth every second because seeing smiles and gratitude sparked by a homemade meal reminded me how food brings people together.
Brittany Tuft – Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Troop 6000
I spent my “Me and You” Day volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York’s Troop 6000, a special troop serving girls and women living in the New York City shelter system. Founded in 2017, Troop 6000 gives girls experiencing homelessness a consistent community where they can build confidence, form friendships, and celebrate the same milestones as any other scout.
For their annual Bridging Ceremony, a joyful tradition marking each scout’s advancement to the next rank, I helped prepare decorations and activities for the celebration. Our morning began with decorating the girls’ vests with new patches earned throughout the year, friendship badges we made for one another, and flag lapels representing our countries of origin. Together, we created crafts that reflected the troop’s shared values of courage, community, and kindness.
Before the ceremony, we gathered to recite the Girl Scout Promise and reflect on what it means to lead and serve within our communities. The day ended with a family meal where each girl introduced her parent or adult supporter, shared stories from the year, and simply enjoyed a stress-free afternoon surrounded by friends and mentors. It was a heartwarming day of connection and celebration, a reminder that belonging and recognition can make all the difference for young girls finding their voice and place in the world.
Jessie Peng – The Bowery Mission
I spent my “Me and You” Day at The Bowery Mission, a New York City nonprofit serving those facing homelessness and hunger. My task was lunch preparation, which began with carrying boxes of potatoes from the pantry to the kitchen. This turned out to be a good workout! From there, my teammates and I washed, peeled, and chopped ingredients under the guidance of the kitchen supervisor. The process took a couple of hours, as we were preparing a meal for around 150 people. What made the day even more special was that many of the organization’s staff members stepped away from their usual roles to help in the kitchen. While chopping veggies and peeling avocados, I had the chance to learn more about their day-to-day work and the impact of this organization. My shift wrapped up after we cleaned and set up the dining room, ensuring everything was ready for the next group of volunteers who’d be serving lunch. It was a morning of hard work(out) and quality time with some of the friendliest people in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood!
Isabelle Robinson – Winter Coat Drive
As part of The Pollack Group’s 40th anniversary celebration and the launch of our TPG “Me and You” Day initiative, I organized a winter coat drive to support individuals in need across our NYC community. Those who live in the tri-state area know that the 2024/2025 winter season was particularly harsh and long-lasting. Although it’s easier to go about your day and not confront uncomfortable truths and your own privilege, I felt in my gut that it was important to make an effort to help ensure warmth and dignity for those facing the bitter cold weather. This initiative not only allowed me to give back in a meaningful way but also reinforced the values we stand for at TPG: Empathy, community, and action.
Delaney Sylvester – The Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club
I spent my “Me and You” Day at the Los Angeles Boys and Girls Club Food Bank Distribution, helping pack and distribute food to the people of Lincoln Heights and the Los Angeles area. Over the course of the afternoon and early evening, we packed 200 bags of food to hand out onsite, nearly 25 bags for in-home delivery, and over 60 bags of nutrient-rich food for Los Angeles fire victims who lost their homes in the early 2025 fires. My service came at an incredibly important and impactful time, when millions of Americans are struggling with SNAP lapses. I was honored to be able to help serve the community in the wonderful city I call home in such a meaningful way. One of the best parts of the day was getting to know my fellow volunteers, many of whom are weekly regulars (and some even had their very own non-profits). While there, a new mother and father signed in to volunteer (clearly regulars, as well), with a few-week-old baby strapped to the front of them. It was an incredible reminder that no one is too small, too young, too old, or too busy to give back.
Magdalena Nygard – The 4th Trimester
I spent the day volunteering with 4th Trimester, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting new mothers through their postpartum journey. The organization collects essential newborn and self-care supplies, like diapers, bottles, formula, and postpartum care kits, and hosts monthly pickup days where families can receive what they need. My role was to greet families, guide them to the storage area, and help them “shop” for items. Over a few hours, I got to meet many cute kiddos and assist the parents in loading their supplies into their cars. What stood out most to me was seeing firsthand how a small act of support can make a real difference for families navigating the challenges of postpartum life. Every mother deserves support, and it felt meaningful to be part of that effort.
Jordan Zuppardo – Habitat Restoration at Rio de Los Angeles State Park
As part of our 40th anniversary at The Pollack Group, I joined the California State Parks team at Rio de Los Angeles State Park to help restore native habitats. We raked and planted along their walking paths to help revitalize and sustain the ecosystem for local wildlife, especially the endangered Least Bell’s Vireo (a small songbird whose numbers are slowly rebounding and contributing to vital biodiversity thanks to projects like this).
Growing up in Louisiana, I was always surrounded by open spaces where I could connect and appreciate the nature around me. Living in a true metropolis now, that connection can feel distant sometimes, but putting my hands to work and showing respect to the natural spaces in my new home brought those peaceful feelings right back.
At the end of the shift, Luis Rincon from State Parks pointed into the bushes and trees around us and said the chirping birds were “thanking us.” This small-yet-sweet moment perfectly captured TPG’s everyday mission: to use collaboration and care to make a positive impact on the communities we’re part of one story (or one garden!) at a time.
Jackson Hodges – Heart of Compassion
For my Me and You Day, I spent the morning volunteering at Heart of Compassion, a major food bank and distribution center that began as little more than a pancake breakfast in a church parking lot in Pico Rivera. Today, they provide over 19 million pounds of free food, clothing, and essentials across Southern California. The organization is almost entirely volunteer-driven, logging more than 30,000 hours and distributing $28 million worth of goods in 2024 alone. I was immediately awe-struck by the dedication and strength of the volunteers powering such an impactful operation. After getting to know the team and the space, I joined in loading groceries into cars as families arrived, ensuring each received an equal assortment of goods. For three hours, we worked diligently until the last vehicle pulled away and the parking lot was littered with wooden pallets and empty cardboard boxes. Charles, the leader of the organization, thanked us and sent us on our way. No spotlight, no celebration, and no pageantry. These people simply spent their mornings doing good for the sake of good, and I couldn’t admire it more.
Extending a Tradition of Care
A “Me and You” Day isn’t “nice to have.” It is an investment in the kind of agency we want to be, one where:
- people feel connected to purpose,
- work is informed by lived experience, and
- clients benefit from a team that engages the world with curiosity, empathy, and intention.
When you partner with The Pollack Group, you aren’t hiring people who simply say they care; you’re hiring people who show it. Purpose fuels performance. Our “Me and You” Days ensures our team brings both to every client we serve.
