April was the month to recognize our efforts to improve and support local communities and households through National Volunteer Month. Whether it’s spending time at the local food bank, organizing donated items for a clothing drive, or setting up events for seniors, Glick team members lend their helping hands to initiatives that speak to their hearts.

VTO with Heart – Highlights

Glick encourages team members to take time off to participate in efforts to help our neighborhoods. This is one important way we commit to the livelihood of our neighbors and the betterment of the communities we serve. See how some of our employees have chosen to spend their paid volunteer time off (VTO).

Kara Miller: Samaritan’s Purse

Kara’s personal journey inspired her to give back with Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is an initiative by Samaritan’s Purse that gives back to families by delivering shoeboxes filled with gifts to children in need during the holidays. Her family participated in the holiday project when she was young, making her want to continue the tradition with a family of her own. Kara says giving back through volunteering is something that gives her a sense of purpose.

"I feel so blessed. Being able to give back, even just a little, in the community where we live is extremely rewarding. Volunteering helps build a sense of community and purpose."

Jana Noblet: Generations Area 13

Generations Area 13 Agency On Aging & Disability promotes successful aging for individuals in pre-retirement and retirement years. Jana dedicated time to set up their event called Age Your Way, which included decorating tables, creating packets for attendees, serving lunch, and helping to clean up after the event. The care and education provided by this organization was a main motivator for Jane to take the time to get involved. For Jana, it’s about improving personal well-being while simultaneously benefitting residences.

"Volunteering helps improve my mood, makes me happy that I am helping others, increases my sense of purpose, and reduces stress levels. Volunteering gives me an opportunity to meet new people, make friends, learn new skills, and partner with other resources that benefit individuals in my career."

Jonathan Ratzman: Interchurch Food Pantry

Jonathan is a dedicated volunteer and spends his free time giving back to organizations that have personal meaning to him. A recent endeavor was a day at Interchurch Food Pantry, where he and fellow volunteers packed boxes, sorted fruit, and helped distribute food to patrons. He recalls a time in his life where he depended on the efforts of volunteers, so he pays it forward as much as he can today.

"I value my time volunteering. Since I was a teenager, I have tried to find time even when I could not find the money to help people. Helping with food needs started with the Ronald McDonald House inside Riley Children’s Hospital. During my time living there with my newborn son, the volunteers helped me through a very emotional time when both my wife and my newborn son seemed close to death. Without those volunteers' help, I don’t know what would have become of me. My wife and I generally volunteer as a family, and I have tried to instill this in our children."

Lisa Kidwell: Gleaners Food Bank

Lisa enjoys volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank where she helps prep and pass out food bags for their drive-through pantry. Gleaners Food Bank helps to fight hunger in central Indiana, and one of their programs includes their drive-through pantry accessible to the community. For Lisa, she enjoys all types of volunteering and likes to help as many people as she can.

"[Volunteering] is probably one of the most satisfying things I do. Giving back to the community has always been important to me, so this is just one way for me to feel like I make a difference."

Elizabeth Oatman: Indianapolis Great Banquet

This year, Elizabath dedicated her time volunteering to help those in her community meet basic needs. The Indianapolis Great Banquet, held at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, is a 72-hour experience where guests can live and study together in worship, prayer, and discussion. Elizabeth chose to volunteer here this year because attending it in the past changed her life and helped support her through her brother’s death in 2015.

"When I attended in 2009, I had no idea just how many volunteer hours people gave to make the weekend as meaningful as it was. This organization has meant so much to me and I love getting to be a small part of making it meaningful for others."

Glick Gives

Glick Gives is a way to support the giving efforts of our team through matched donations. During the week of Giving Tuesday, Glick matches each team member’s financial contributions 3-to-1. Through Glick Gives, we helped support 204 nonprofit organizations in 2023, including 29 hunger relief organizations in communities we serve through the Glick Gives virtual food drive.

Volunteering is a great way for everyone to get involved in making our world a little brighter! Take a closer look at the volunteer efforts of our team members through our Glick Cares newsroom section and see a summary of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impact in 2023 on Our Impact page.