On May 15, 2025, Brightspot was honored as the Angel Tree Volunteer Group of the Year at The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command’s 140th Anniversary Celebration. The award recognized Brightspot’s outstanding commitment to supporting local families through the Angel Tree program — a beloved holiday tradition that has become a cornerstone of Brightspot’s year-round service and mission efforts.
For over 40 years, The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program has helped ensure that thousands of children in the National Capital region receive gifts during the holiday season. Families in need submit wish lists and community members have the opportunity to step in to make those wishes come true. Since partnering with The Salvation Army in 2017, Brightspot employees have sponsored 961 Angels.
As a parent myself, I know the holidays can be a stressful time. I continue to participate in the Angel Tree program because it offers a bit of relief — and hopefully a lot of joy — for families who need it most.
What started as a seasonal effort has evolved into one of the most cherished and wide-reaching volunteer programs at Brightspot. Each year, dozens of employees sign up to sponsor one — or several — Angels, purchasing clothing, toys and essentials to make the holidays feel a little more magical for local families.
For Elizabeth Bell, Director of Customer Success Operations, the program holds personal significance. “As a parent myself, I know the holidays can be a stressful time,” she said. “I continue to participate in the Angel Tree program because it offers a bit of relief — and hopefully a lot of joy — for families who need it most.”
The generosity doesn’t stop with donations. Every December, Brightspot employees come together to give of their time as well by filling volunteer shifts at the Angel Tree warehouse. To date, Brightspot, team members have filled over 120 volunteer shifts, helping sort and distribute thousands of gifts to families across the region.
For Matthew Wardian, Senior Program Director, the hands-on aspect of the program is what makes it truly meaningful. “I love Angel Tree because I believe everyone deserves to feel special, cared for and included in our community,” he said. “Having the opportunity to both sponsor a child or family and then also be able to distribute those gifts directly while volunteering at the warehouse brings it all home for me.”
The award, presented during the Salvation Army’s milestone celebration, reflects not only the collective generosity of Brightspot’s employees, but the strength of a partnership built on shared values of community and compassion. Parker Ramsdell, SVP of People, Mission & Culture, accepted the award on Brightspot’s behalf.
“This award is 100% a reflection of the generosity, compassion and commitment of our people,” Ramsdell shared. “The heart of this initiative is our employees. We’re proud to partner with The Salvation Army — and even prouder of the incredible people who make Brightspot what it is.”
As Brightspot looks ahead to another year of impact, being named the Angel Tree Volunteer Group of the Year serves as a meaningful reminder of what’s possible when people come together in service of others — especially during the time of year when it matters most.
