Kansas employers join Give Back Challenge to promote volunteering and community service

Sixteen employers in Kansas are participating in the fifth annual Give Back Kansas Challenge, from March 31 to May 23. This event encourages employer-supported volunteerism, where employees track and report their volunteer hours, competing for a chance to win prizes, including a $1,000 grant from Volunteer Kansas to donate to a nonprofit organization.

According to Forbes.com, volunteering led by companies can enhance employee satisfaction, workplace culture, and brand reputation. "We’re excited to welcome so many first-time participants this year," stated Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas. Brown expressed it was inspiring to see businesses value volunteering and community service.

The Give Back Kansas Challenge is a joint effort between Volunteer Kansas and the Kansas Volunteer Commission. Employers participating this year include Andover Historical Museum, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Fidelity Bank, among others. Organizations are categorized based on employee size and winners are determined by the average volunteer hours per employee.

Jessica Dorsey, executive director of the Kansas Volunteer Commission, said, "We’re thrilled to support employers in motivating their teams to give back." She described the challenge as a fun and impactful way to connect businesses with local organizations in need.

Volunteer Kansas Inc., located in Wichita, Kansas, is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes volunteerism in the state. The Kansas Volunteer Commission, a program of the Kansas State Department of Education, supports community service initiatives and provides training and resources for volunteer management.

For more details or to find volunteer opportunities, visit www.volunteerkansas.org.