Volunteering with your co-workers can be a rewarding shared experience that builds stronger bonds. There are so many different opportunities. Finding the right one for your group will require a little planning on your end to determine the cause that interests the group and whether you want to do something on-site or off-site. Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) has been working with two local banks on volunteer projects that illustrate on-site and off-site options.
US Bank employees were looking for a volunteer opportunity they could accomplish at their site during breaks and lunches that would help with children's literacy. They have been using their personal time to assemble literacy kits GGUW will distribute during the kick-off of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project. The goal is to have each child at the event leave with a literacy kit when they sign up for the program. Literacy kits include a book along with materials and instructions for an age-appropriate activity to enhance the learning experience for the child.
Our kidsLINK Afterschool Program needed enough staff and activities for about 65 students out of school for parent teacher conferences. A group of 20 First Interstate Bank employees wanted to participate in a group volunteer project on their bank holiday. It became a perfect match.
Planning began about a month out and it became clear there was a theme for the day, money. Stations were set up to teach about earning, saving, spending and money-related in general. The hit of the day was the station with a black light where they learned about security features designed to catch counterfeit bills. The students had a chance to design their own money, too.
There were many positives outcomes because of the partnership. The students enjoyed spending the day with the adults. Studies show that positive interaction with caring adults is important for young children. The bank employees had a great time working with the kids on money related activities and sharing a day as a team volunteering. And, the kidsLINK program benefited by being able to save money by hiring fewer staff people that day.
If your company is considering a group volunteer project, you can contact Sylvia Drain, (406) 587-2194 or sylvia@greatergallatinunitedway.org, or visit VolunteerMT.org.
