Bayer Hawaii Spreads Holiday Joy to Veterans and Families

December 25, 2025

Bayer Hawaii Spreads Holiday Joy to Veterans and Families

This Christmas, the Bayer Hawaii team traded their holiday morning with family for something pretty special – serving a holiday lunch to more than 90 veterans who needed a reminder that their community hasn't forgotten them.

On Christmas Day, a group of 13 volunteers—comprised of Bayer employees and their families—gathered at U.S.VETS – Barbers Point from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Breaking from the traditional turkey dinner, the team served up local favorites catered by Best Drive Inn: Meat Jun, BBQ Chicken, and Spicy Pork. With festive music playing in the background, the lunch service quickly evolved into an afternoon of connection, featuring holiday trivia contests and prize giveaways.

"Honestly, we got more out of it than we gave," said Ayja Welch, one of the Bayer volunteers. "Just being able to share this holiday with them, seeing the residents' camaraderie and joy; it was a meaningful morning for my family and me."

Tamah-Lani Noh from U.S.VETS – Barbers Point was amazed that so many people chose to spend their holiday volunteering. "You could see it on our veterans' faces – they felt remembered. That's worth more than any gift we could give them."

The Christmas celebration was actually the second part of their holiday efforts. A week earlier, the team had loaded up trucks with toys and household essentials for families at U.S.VETS Waianae. Picture this: 35 kids getting scooters and toy trucks, while their parents received practical stuff like laundry detergent and dish soap – things that make a real difference when you're getting back on your feet.

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The Oahu Outreach team organized the day for residents at U.S.VETS Ewa Beach.

Bayer Hawaii Oahu Team delivered gifts to 35 keiki, including scooters and toy trucks. It provided Holiday Joy bags filled with essentials like laundry detergent and food storage containers to nearly 100 households.

This initiative was driven entirely by the generosity of Bayer's Oahu Outreach Team. Motivated by a desire to support their neighbors, team members purchased the gifts, dedicating weeks to wrapping presents and coordinating logistics to ensure a special holiday for everyone involved.

"It's pretty simple," said David Katz of Bayer Hawaii, a veteran himself. "These folks served our country, and now they're working to rebuild their lives. It was our absolute honor to serve these veterans who faithfully served our country."

The impact of their work hasn't gone unnoticed. U.S.VETS honored Bayer Hawaii with its Salute to Service Award in 2025, recognizing its commitment to veterans and families throughout the year. For the Bayer team, it's confirmation that showing up consistently – not just during the holidays – makes a real difference.