Keyfactor employees around the world had the opportunity to make a difference in their communities this holiday season by participating in a variety of volunteer activities.
Following our successful Global Volunteer Day earlier this year, everyone across the company was excited about another dedicated time to give back and bond with co-workers – and what better time to do so than the season of giving.
Our team banded together in person and remotely to volunteer, supporting initiatives like holiday gift drives and helping job seekers with their interview skills.
“Volunteering in and giving back to our communities is core to what we stand for at Keyfactor, which is why we provide paid volunteering days off and company matching for employees globally. We are deeply committed to giving our team the opportunity to volunteer and donate year-round to the organizations that matter most in their communities around the world, especially during the holiday season when many people can use a little extra support,” said Erin Woodard, VP of Global Employee Experience.
Here’s a look at some of the many ways Keyfactor teams supported their communities over the past month.
Aachen, Germany
The Aachen, Germany team participated in the local “Wish List Christmas Tree” campaign, which collects wish lists from children and young people who are cared for in various child and youth welfare institutions nearby. The lists then live alongside a Christmas tree in the Aachen town hall for volunteers to take and fulfill. The Keyfactor team visited the town hall on November 25 to pick up wish lists, then they each bought presents and wrapped them together in the office.
Barcelona and Madrid, Spain
The Keyfactor teams in Barcelona and Madrid, Span participated in Una Sonrisa por Navidad aka “A Smile at Christmas,” which aims to reach the people most in need during Christmas by distributing gifts and food and involving young volunteers in solidarity activities. This year, the Barcelona and Madrid teams donated gifts to the campaign in December to contribute to the goal of giving more than 8,000 gifts to children at risk of social exclusion.
Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta team partnered with the Empty Stocking Fund, a local nonprofit organization providing toys and gifts during the holiday season and other core essential supplies throughout the year to support positive social and emotional development and academic success for disadvantaged children. On November 17, the team spent the day at the Empty Stocking Fund warehouse, packaging gift bags to provide 1,200 children with necessities like new socks and toothbrushes to markers and pens. They also hosted a fundraiser during their holiday party on December 14 to raise money for the organization.
Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Keyfactor team supported Cuyahoga County’s Hope for the Holidays, a campaign to collect gift donations for 4,000 area children and teens in foster care. The team volunteered throughout November 29-December 9 to help sort toys and create gift bags that will be delivered to children and their families ahead of Christmas.
San Mateo, CA
The Cleveland Keyfactor team supported Cuyahoga County’s Hope for the Holidays, a campaign to collect gift donations for 4,000 area children and teens in foster care. The team volunteered throughout November 29-December 9 to help sort toys and create gift bags that will be delivered to children and their families ahead of Christmas.
Remote Team Members, Globally
Finally, remote members of our teams across the globe had the opportunity to give back with Per Scholas, which provides rigorous and tuition-free technology training and professional development to people who are un- or underemployed to help them launch successful careers in tech.
Keyfactor has a partnership with Per Scholas through which our employees volunteer to help students in the program with important behavioral-based skills in interviewing. During 40-minute mock interviews, the Per Scholas learners and alumni get to practice their interviewing and presentation skills while the Keyfactor volunteers act as hiring managers.
We’d like to extend a big thank you and season’s greetings to all the organizations that allowed our global team members to help and make a difference in their communities this holiday season. And while this is certainly the season of giving, the Keyfactor team loves to contribute year-round. To keep up with the latest updates, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
