Employees of Embrace Home Loans recently had a chance to get out of the office and get to work in their communities. In light of the company’s 29th year in business, employees spent a week volunteering at local organizations.

While some employees helped ready the YMCA’s Camp Watchaug, others pitched in to clear a field at the Norman Bird Sanctuary.

“It is amazing how much got done and I don’t know what we would have done without [the volunteers],” said Camp Watchaug Director Danita Ballantyne. She added that the group’s painting, cleaning and heavy lifting will make a difference for campers.

Joseph McLaughlin of the bird sanctuary was also pleased with the efforts.

“I can’t tell you how much [the] staff helped us on the grassland restoration,” he said. “The 900-plus hours in the field … completed the job and allowed us to seed the nesting field well ahead of schedule.”

Other organizations that benefited from the efforts of Embrace employees include King Park in Newport, Second Beach and Sachuest Point in Middletown, Father Travassos Park in Fall River and more.

By the end of the week, employees had volunteered a combined 1,400 hours of assistance. •