I had the opportunity to mentor a recent college graduate. He was fresh out of school and just starting his first official professional job with his father’s company. He asked the typical questions about accounting, marketing, customer service, and many of the academic components of business. Of all the questions he asked, there was one that was very impressive to me that involved our company culture.

He asked, “How do you get involved with volunteering?” 

Even though he was young, he recognized the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need. This was excellent insight for a professional just starting out his career.

As I think back over some of the volunteer opportunities we have participated in there are many incredible memories that came to mind.

City Union MissionThere is nothing like driving a soup truck downtown Kansas City in the dead of winter. Passing out coats and providing hot meals to people that are truly homeless is incredibly humbling. We had the opportunity to partner with a church youth group for this particular activity.

Kansas City Rescue MissionOur employees and their families hosted a game night at the KCRM for the guys that are homeless. It provided an opportunity for our staff and kids to interact and share stories with people that are just like us.

Heart to Heart InternationalEach of our staff and families met on a Saturday morning at the Heart to Heart warehouse in Kansas City to put together Crisis Care Kits for those devastated by natural disasters.

Mission SouthsideOur staff, along with some of our clients, helped serve meals for those in need right in our own community.

Salvation ArmyOver the past several years our staff, clients, friends and family have served at the Olathe Salvation Army providing needed supplies and food to underprivileged families in our community.

Honduras MinistriesIn 2011, and again in 2013, some of our staff, families and clients went with us and supported our global volunteer efforts. Part of our focus while in Honduras was to provide and teach skills for women to start their own sewing businesses. You can read more about that here.

Making volunteering part of your company culture can have an incredibly positive impact on your employees, clients, and most importantly those you are serving.

I strongly encourage you to consider ways to incorporate volunteer opportunities for your staff, co-workers and families as part of your company culture. These opportunities can serve as great team building experiences and provide a huge boost for those that are being served.

[message_box title="Volunteer with the Fulling Management team" color="gray"]We would love to have you join us for our next volunteer activity! If you are interested, feel free to give me a call at (913) 254-7300 or email me at rusty@fullingmgmt.com.[/message_box]