Monitronics Gives Back in 2011

 

Beginning in October and continuing through Christmas, Monitronics participated in multiple charitable projects in 2011.

Our holiday season kicked off with the annual food drive to support MetroCrest Foodbank. The event always sparks competition within the company and proves fruitful for our cause. In 2011, employees donated over $10,000 in food and cash.

The employees pitched in to provide gifts for children through the MetroCrest Foodbank. Throughout the first half of December, teams within Monitronics “adopted” grade levels. Each team worked hard to bring in as many toys as possible for their children. The company donated an additional $2,000 to support the foodbank.

Students from Notre Dame School, a local school for children with mental disabilities, made their annual visit to Monitronics on December 15. When they arrived, the children were greeted by their “Buddy” for the day. They toured the departments that were decked out in the holiday theme chosen by the Holiday Committee. The tour concluded with a catered lunch, carolers, and a final meeting with Santa where the kids received gifts based on their Santa List. During the catered lunch, Monitronics presented local charities with donations:

Al Leisikow from Little Elm Food Bank with Mary Jensby from Monitronics

  • Each of the 81 patients from a local nursing was given a Christmas gift.
  • The Little Elm Food Bank received a check for $2,000. 2011 was Monitronics’ fourth year supporting the food bank.
  • Monitronics donated $2,000 to Irving Cares, Inc., an organization which helps the needy in their community.
  • And, The North Texas Food Bank received a check for $2,000 to help distribute food to thirteen North Texas counties.

Everyday Superhero: Lee Hong

Monitronics Emergency Dispatch Operator Lee Hong was on duty when a back door burglary alarm in Washington flashed across his computer screen. Lee quickly tried to reach the customer using the two-way communication system. He received no response and couldn’t hear anyone moving around in the house.

When he reached the homeowner on her cell, she told Lee, “I’m out of town for Thanksgiving, please send the police.” Lee immediately called the local police department and they were rolling to the home in no time.

After the emergency

When the police arrived, they found three men trying to get away with our customers property. They were all arrested without incident.

We later talked to our customer again. She said, “I’m so thankful my property was saved and they got the burglars. If it hadn’t been for Monitronics and the quick action that got the police to my home so fast, they may have gotten away. Thank you.”

Everyday Superhero: Debra Harold

Monitronics Emergency Dispatch Operator Debra Harold was on duty one morning when she received a medical alarm from a home in South Carolina. She called the home and found that our customer was on the floor and in great pain.

Debra recruited a fellow Everyday Superhero to contact the paramedics. Debra stayed on the phone with our customer and coached, “Please don’t try to get up; help is on the way.”

After the emergency

A few days after the emergency, we were able to reach our customer’s daughter. She said, “My mom fell and hit her head. She was on the floor and didn’t know what to do and then remember she was wearing her medical pendant. She pushed and it you guys were on it in no time.”

When we asked how her mom was doing she said, “When the paramedics got to the house, my mother refused to go to the hospital. I’m taking her to the doctor today for a check up. You guys are a lifesaver and we appreciate your response. Thank you.”

Everyday Superhero: Tyson Rademaker

Recently Monitronics Emergency Dispatch Operator Tyson Rademaker received a medical alarm from a home in Indiana. He immediately accessed the two-way communication system and asked if assistance was needed. He heard a faint response: “…I fell…and hurt my arm.”

Once Tyson knew that our customer needed some medical help, he recruited a fellow Everyday Superhero to contact the paramedics. Tyson wanted to keep the customer calm so he continued to talk to her. He reassured our customer that help was on the way.

After the emergency

The next day we were able to reach our customer. She said, “Yesterday I kept having dizzy spells. I was headed to the living room and I got really dizzy. I fell. My arm was in so much pain so I pushed my medical pendant.”

When we asked her about how she’s feeling now she said, “I’m still in a lot of pain. My arm is broken in several places and I’m scheduled to have surgery. I’m very happy with the fast response from Monitronics. Thank you.”

Everyday Superhero: Cesar Castillo

On a recent afternoon, Emergency Dispatch Operator Cesar Castillo received a fire alarm from a home in Indiana.

Cesar quickly called the home and when no one answered his next few seconds were spent calling the local fire department. The fire department left immediately to race to the home.

After the emergency

When we were finally able to reach the home owner, he said, “I’m so thankful my home was saved! We accidentally left food cooking on the stove and went shopping. There’s smoke damage and the stove has to be replaced but that’s about it. Thank you for all the help.”