At the Gene B. Glick Company, we are committed to strengthening the quality of life and giving back to the communities we call home. As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, we encourage our team members to give back to their communities through volunteerism and empower them to do so through our paid volunteer time off (VTO) program. Our ‘VTO with Heart’ series highlights Glick team members using their VTO to volunteer with organizations close to their hearts.

Myra Mellencamp and Cassandra Hawkins recently volunteered together at Jackson County United Way's Rock'n Ready School Supply Distribution. This program provides backpacks and school supplies to any Jackson County student who registers for the program. The process for the program involves multiple steps – donations are collected, backpacks are filled with supplies, and then backpacks are handed out once the big day arrives. "It is such a great event. Each child gets to pick out his or her backpack. There are so many happy kids and thankful parents," said Myra. 

Myra and Cassandra both work at Jamestown Seymour Apartments. Myra has volunteered with the Rock'n Ready program for many years, and this year, she invited her coworker, Cassandra, to join her. "I was interested because it was an event that was a benefit to our residents and their families and impacted every school system in Jackson County," Cassandra said.

During their time volunteering, Myra and Cassandra helped with the donation collection at Walmart, sorted supplies to be stuffed in the backpacks, and assisted families upon checking in to receive their supplies. 

"I feel it is very important to ensure all children have adequate supplies when they return to school," said Myra.

After their time volunteering at the Rock'n Ready School Supply Distribution, we caught up with Myra and Cassandra to learn more about how volunteering is part of their lives.

How Does Volunteering Impact Your Life?

• "It gives me great joy to make a difference in the lives of families whose children might not be prepared when they return to school. I'm sure it would be difficult for a child who shows up at school without supplies." – Myra Mellencamp
• "Volunteering impacts my life by giving back to the community that gave so much to me as a young mom. Serving others and helping my community members get ahead is something I am very passionate about and I am very grateful to work for a company with the same focus!" – Cassandra Hawkins

What Does Glick’s VTO Mean to You?

• "I am thankful to work for an organization that places a high priority on their employees having an opportunity to volunteer for causes that mean a lot to them. Rock'n Ready is a program that is dear to my heart. It's nice that I am given paid time off to participate in this program." – Myra Mellencamp
• "Glick's VTO is very important to me because it allows flexibility and designated time to volunteer without impacting my pay or job in any way. To me, it is another way that Glick stands out above the rest and shows that the company is invested in their communities and not just the business." – Cassandra Hawkins

Are There Other Organizations That You Work with That You Want Others to Know About?

• "I also give back to Healthy Jackson County by participating in various workgroups and health initiatives that assist our residents and the Jackson County Community." – Cassandra Hawkins

To learn more about these great organizations, visit:

• Rock'n Ready - Jackson County United Way
• Healthy Jackson County

If you are a Glick team member and want to use your VTO to give back to your community, submit your VTO request via Paylocity. We also encourage all team members to log their volunteer time and impact on Selflessly to inspire others.