A Journal of Happiness study found that volunteering can positively impact physical and mental health, alleviate stress, and experience increased life satisfaction. In other words, people who volunteer are happier. Employees who participate in volunteerism benefit from higher morale and an increase in overall happiness.
We strive to make volunteering at Rainbows a positive, happy experience. Nearly every experience includes spending time with children who benefit. Even those projects where the children are not present are directly related to the way the projects benefit our children. Every dollar saved is a dollar Rainbows can use to provide quality services for a child.
Rainbows’ Corporate Volunteer Program is an integral part of Rainbows United’s ability to provide services to children with special needs and their families. Because of the commitment of our corporate volunteers, projects such as planting flowers, landscaping, pruning and trimming trees, spreading sand and mulch, cleaning classrooms and windows, organizing libraries, office work, and disassembling and moving office furniture.
Corporate volunteers are a welcome presence in our Early Care and Education classrooms and at Camp Woodchuck, reading with Pre-K children, dancing with Campers, helping with art and science projects, listening to a child talk about their favorite things, and playing “tag” on the playground. Through their many efforts, volunteers brighten the lives of Rainbows’ staff, children, and families.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, service is central to who we are as a company. We work alongside our friends, neighbors and community partners to make Kansas a better place to live, work and play. Our team members have had the opportunity to talk and read with the children at Rainbows United and it’s easy to see the value this resource has in our community.” -Heather Krull, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
In 2023, Rainbows was honored to welcome corporate volunteers from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Cox Communications, Credit Union of America, DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers, Eby Construction Company, Enterprise, Evergy, Fidelity Bank, IMA Financial Group, Koch Engineered Solutions, Meritrust Credit Union, Morgan Stanley, Scheels, Spirit Aerosystems, Inc., and Textron Aviation.
Last year, volunteers gave in time (almost 6,200 volunteer hours worth $197,000 in value), talent, and treasure. They helped complete projects that would not have been fiscally possible due to the amount of materials and man-power needed. They helped raise funds at events, purchased items from our Agency Wishlist, and filled boxes for donation drives. Best of all, they brought smiles to the faces of our children!
“At Meritrust, we believe in living out our mission to improve the lives of our members and the communities we serve. We recognize that Rainbows United provides resources that are beneficial not only for children who may need additional developmental resources, but for their families as well. Their programs provide a direct impact and guide those in need of assistance to vital services that lay the foundation for a brighter future. We are encouraged by all they do to support many in our communities.” -Kristina Williams, Meritrust Credit Union
If your corporation would like to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families, please contact Melani Kliewer, Volunteer Coordinator at 316.871.8979 or mkliewer@rui.org.
