This post made possible by site supporter Jane Brown.
This article is going to be a little different than what you might be expecting. Instead of featuring the big names like the ACLU, the Southern Poverty Law Center, RAINN, etc. we thought we’d take a look at some local champions who are doing their best to help their friends and neighbors where they live.
Christensen & Hymas
Christensen & Hymas is a personal injury law firm dedicated to helping people who are hurt or injured and need help getting justice and assistance for their injuries. In addition to helping clients win cases, this law firm prides itself on giving back to its community. From the firm’s website:
“We want our local area in the Salt Lake Valley and the city of Draper, as well as other surrounding cities to grow and benefit from our presence here. That is why we have set up certain programs that aim to enrich society as a whole through community involvement. The Married Student Law Scholarship, Supplies for Success Gift Program, and Hit & Run Reward Program are projects we created to give back to the community by rewarding outstanding individuals.”
Umpqua Bank
Since it’s inception as a local bank for southern Oregon, Umpqua Bank has encouraged its employees to give back to their communities. To sweeten the deal, the company offers employees up to 40 hours of paid volunteer time per year. In an article for the Idaho Statesman, Susan Raymond (the Community Manager at Umpqua Bank’s Boise location) said this:
“As business leaders, it’s our job to understand the impact volunteerism has on company culture, employee engagement and productivity. Our organizations have the power to help employees identify, explore and pursue their passions, and with a little work and executive buy-in, the possibilities are endless. By taking volunteer programs to the next level, we have an opportunity to invest in the future of our communities, our employees and our businesses.”
Utica National Insurance
This New York-based insurance company that does several events throughout the year to raise awareness and support for a variety of causes. They’ve raised money for Miracle Children’s Network, the United Way, to help the victims of the Flint Water Crisis, and more. One favorite event is Duck Days. Lindsey Mandia, an associate employment specialist for Utica describes the various activities for SHRM.org:
We also have “Duck Days,” where we go to a nearby creek and race rubber ducks that employees purchase for $5 to win paid-time-off days and gift cards. We also take part in the UN Kids Run in July, which is paid for by the company. We have about 1,600 kids who participate…I would say that one of the strongest and best qualities of our company and its employees is their generosity. I love working with such amazing people with such big hearts!
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Remember: giving back doesn’t always have to be about big things or grand gestures. Helping individuals have better daily lives is just as important, especially in times like these when so many feel abandoned and scared. Seemingly simple things like pro bono work, raising money, hosting donation drives, volunteering for local charities–it all contributes to the greater good.
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