Employees at Creative Planning, Inc. are used to helping others prepare for their financial future. But Saturday, November 17, they put aside the calculators and portfolios to help others prepare for Thanksgiving — by making sure they have food on their table.

Led by Peter and Veronica Mallouk, the wealth management company generously donated 500 turkeys and all the trimmings for distribution to those served by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

“We were looking for a place that we were sure would be able to get the meals to the people who need it,” explains Peter Mallouk, CEO and Founder of Creative Planning, Inc. “Catholic Charities is a well-run organization, so it was a good choice for our size of donation.”

The giving didn’t stop there. In true assembly line fashion, more than 200 employees and their families gathered at Catholic Charities’ Hope Distribution Center. There, they filled grocery sacks with canned vegetables, dairy products, potatoes, gravy and even the traditional cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Even the youngest of volunteers was able to help by topping off each bag with a note of encouragement for its recipient.

“We are so grateful not only for the generous donation, but for the army of volunteers willing to devote their efforts to helping so many families in need.” says Denise Ogilvie, Vice President of Outreach and Grants Management. “There’s no better way for parents to demonstrate the joy of giving than by involving their children in the process.”

After the bags were filled, additional volunteers helped distribute them to families in need.

Creative Planning, Inc. employees have been volunteering for charity for over 10 years. “At Creative Planning, we work with people who are very financially fortunate. As an organization we are focused on helping a part of the community that we wouldn’t normally reach,” adds Mallouk.

As owners, the Mallouks have been leaders in charitable giving. “Veronica and I have been very lucky and want to be sure to give back,” says Peter Mallouk. “All of our giving is focused for causes that help people get a shot at success or guide them on that path.”