“Volunteering makes you feel good. Helping other people is second nature and if you put yourself out there just once, you might discover how much you really like it.” – Jeff Sauter
Through projects big and small, we work together to support the growth and initiatives of our communities – where we also live and work.
In August 2023, over 70 volunteers with our Fort Wayne team spent the day armed with rakes, shovels and other pruning equipment, removing overgrown vegetation from a downtown park as part of the Allen County United Way’s Day of Caring. This included abundant sun, sweltering temperatures and a lot of water. Additional members of this team found themselves stationed at a food pantry, preparing freezer meals for patients at the VA Medical Center down the road.
I&M staff in Fort Wayne take part in the 2023 United Way's Day of Caring.
As an organization, we are proud to be good neighbors in the cities we serve. And as a team, we accomplish more in serving our communities, large and small. From raking leaves for southwest Michigan residents who are physically unable to do so, to making holiday magic come alive at a hospital with a boost from a bucket truck – together we can leave an impact on residents from Rockport to Bridgman.
But what impact does that have on the future? For some, this comes through youth as volunteers and mentors. Access to STEM-education is not always easily accessible, which makes growing professionals in these careers challenging. Through volunteers from our team with a focus in STEM, students can explore these opportunities first-hand – developing a passion for the future.
Line workers from the South Bend/Elkhart District visit with students in the Elkhart Education Foundation’s SPARK Program. This opportunity connects students with local businesses to engage in career possibilities and expose the benefits of a STEM-focused career. Much of these early interactions can be life-changing for youth who now have a direction, and passion, they might not have considered possible.
As National Volunteer Week concludes, the recognition and celebration of the efforts our team contributes to the community does not end. Read more about the work our team is doing, and how we are powering the next community initiative by visiting the community section on our website.