National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to seek out ways to engage in their communities.

The following slides feature our associates that are active in their community and make giving back a priority.

They are ambassadors of our Give Back value in their professional and personal lives.

“Volunteering provides me an opportunity to have a positive impact. It may be a small impact – but it is a positive impact nonetheless. For me, it’s the right thing to do. I’ve been fortunate in my life – a great family, rewarding educational and professional opportunities, and unique life experiences. I like to think that by volunteering, I’m able to enrich the lives of others.”

Austin BargerBrand Campaign Manager | EastonVolunteers with Jewish Family Services

“Volunteering is important to me because I’ve been on the receiving end. When my family lived in Louisiana, we were victims of Hurricane Rita. I know firsthand what it means to need assistance. United Way helped us through that difficult time. While living in Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina, I volunteered to gather and deliver items to the victims. We delivered the items in superhero costumes. To see them smile and laugh was so uplifting. Volunteers are the glue that holds the community together. Every person counts!”Tony Soliz

Customer Care Supervisor | LenexaVolunteers with:• Big Brothers and Big Sisters• The Live Happy Movement• United Way

“I have been in situations where I needed someone to care or to help me when I was down. If it weren’t for those volunteers I don’t think I would have made it as far as I have. I want to give someone else that great feeling of knowing there are people in the world who genuinely care. Giving back has many rewards, the biggest reward is the new bonds you develop and the lives you change for the better.”

Summer ObengCustomer Care Advocate | WestervilleVolunteers with:• Mid-Ohio Foodbank• Ohio Department of Corrections

“I enjoy the feeling I get when I can brighten someone’s day with the smallest of gestures. Whether it’s serving food, donating blood, building a home, or just listening to a story, each contribution I make not only helps someone in need but gives me memories I can pass on to my children. I hope that through my acts, others will be inspired to do the same. When people come together to help others, great things can happen.”

Nancy CárdenasResearch Clerk | San AntonioVolunteers with:• Habitat for Humanity, Haven for Hope• San Antonio Food Bank, Ride for Kids• Wrappin’ with Jack, Texas Department of

Transportation

“I volunteer because I think it’s important to help the most vulnerable members of our communities gain access to the basic needs that many of us often take for granted. I understand what it’s like to need assistance and because of that I know the positive impact the smallest gesture can have on those in need. Volunteering in any capacity has the power to help you look at the world a little differently.”

Iris CokerStrategist, Marketing Strategy | EastonFounder, The Columbus Diaper Coalition

“When you help others you do truly get it back triple. Helping others is more gratifying than anything you can do to gratify yourself. If you’ve never volunteered before start with simple acts of kindness. It is contagious. Your small act will spread much further than you know. It makes us all better and makes our communities better places to live!”

Pam RichmondCustomer Care Specialist | Broad StreetVolunteers with Canine Companions and Pelotonia

“I enjoy helping others in their time of need because I hope there would be people to help me if the need ever arose. Volunteering allows me additional opportunities to be humbled. I find great joy in helping others and being an example to my friends and family. Volunteering is my way of giving back.”

Sarah HostonCollections Associate Supervisor | Coeur d’AleneVolunteers with:• Coeur d’Alene Fire Department• Coeur d’Alene Pipes and Drums

“Simply put, volunteering makes me feel good. There’s no doubt writing a check to charities you believe in is important, but getting out and participating is so much more rewarding. Prior to working for Alliance Data I was very naïve of the severe financial and educational challenges faced by so many in central Ohio. We’re fortunate to work for a company that works to bring awareness to the philanthropic needs of the communities we live and work in.”Todd Prince

Sr. Director, Systems | EastonVolunteers with:• United Way• Mid-Ohio Foodbank

“I volunteer because I like to help and be involved in the communities. It’s important that we help others and I try to get everyone involved. I tell them we can make a difference if we spread the word and get out in the communities. One of the hardest jobs I’ve had was when I volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission. Knowing I was able to help serve a hot meal to over 200 people was worth the hard work. The recipients of the meal were so thankful.”

Francine BenavidezCustomer Care Specialist | WestminsterVolunteers with Florence Crittenton

“Volunteering is important to me because I know that I can help someone less fortunate. In December, I built several holiday crafts from scrap pallets at our site. These crafts were sold and we raised $800 that went towards the purchase of toys for less fortunate children. Just knowing that children woke up with gifts brought joy to my life. For me, knowing I can help others always makes me feel good.”Bernie Obert

Print Systems Operator | ReynoldsburgVolunteers with:• Mid-Ohio Foodbank• United Way• Toys for Tots• Firefighters for Kids

“Volunteering keeps me humble and makes me see the world outside of my rose colored glasses. It reminds me to practice gratitude every single day. It’s the greatest feeling in the world when you support something so much larger than yourself. Whether you’re stuffing envelopes for an event or working directly with clients, there is a great benefit to the people, organization, and community.”

Betsy HallSenior Account Manager | EastonVolunteers with AIDS Resource Center of Ohio

“I volunteer because I love to give back and I feel that leadership is serving. When I was in middle school, I traveled to Mexico to help feed and clothe people in need. I was able to play soccer with kids, and most of them didn’t have any shoes. I ended up giving my cleats away and when I returned from the trip I was able to start a small fund with my church to raise money to provide 80 pairs of shoes for those kids. This really impacted my life and changed how I look at what I have. Not only does volunteering change your life, but it also changes the lives of those you serve.”

Clarence GutierrezCustomer Care Supervisor | Rio RanchoVolunteers with:• Wounded Warrior, Road Runner Food

Bank• Joy Junction, Ravenna Assisted Living• Community Connect, YWCA Women’s

Veterans

“Volunteering is important to me because I feel blessed to have what I have. I love helping people get what they need and don’t have. It gives me satisfaction knowing that I am helping someone in need. The feeling you get is so powerful and meaningful.”

Kim DoylePayment Solutions Advocate | MilfordVolunteers with The Exchange

“I volunteer because I want to have a positive impact on the world around me, even if it might seem so very small. Every little bit helps, but for the animals that get food, shelter, and safety, it means everything to them. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. It can be, if you your passion takes you there, but sometimes it’s just what you can give at the current moment.”

Kim ProwManager, Business Strategy & Integration | EastonVolunteers with:• CHA Animal Shelter• Worthington Organized Off-Leash

Friends• SNAP!