Impact is one of Argonne’s Core Values. Lab employees are encouraged to think creatively, pursue innovative ideas, and deliver excellence that contributes to a stronger and more prosperous nation. With this as a guiding principle, Argonne employees identified and planned 75th anniversary activities that honor the past and positively impact communities. One such initiative, “75th Anniversary Acts of Kindness” was created with the understanding that even the smallest act of kindness can make a tremendous impact.
Since its launch in April, Argonne’s Acts of Kindness has brought the Laboratory community together to collect donations for animal rescue organizations, clean up trails at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Lemont, Illinois, and raise funds for minority student scholarships. Employees have also been encouraged to support local businesses; learn more about different cultures; and share positivity with colleagues, friends, and community members.
These acts have not gone unnoticed by our neighbors. “We really appreciate Argonne coming out to keep our trails clean at Waterfall Glen. It’s good to know staff at the Lab care as much about the forest preserve as the residents do,” said Linda Painter, Commissioner – District 3, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
The hope is that Argonne’s Acts of Kindness initiative inspires others beyond the Lab campus to think about how they can brighten someone’s day with simple gestures like sharing a word of encouragement or volunteering time at a local nonprofit.
Celebrating 75 years as the nation’s first national laboratory is important and we are proud to bring awareness to all the groundbreaking discoveries and world-renowned talent at Argonne. We are equally honored when we can make an impact through kind acts.