On this day of service, we are reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful words: "The most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
Keenan & Associates, the largest independent insurance brokerage firm in California, recognizes the importance of giving back to the community. During last fall’s inaugural Impact Day, the company’s 700 employees gathered to fill 1,700 backpacks with supplies and assemble 4,200 arts and crafts kits for organizations.
The Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino, Los Angeles Team Mentoring and the Riverside Police Officer Association were among the recipients of the company-wide community service. The event, which took place over three days, was requested by employees.
"People want to be involved, it’s a win-win all around. It’s camaraderie, you’re giving back to the community and it’s a feel-good," JoAnn Angeli, Keenan’s meetings and events specialist, said.
By using wholesalers, Keenan’s hundreds of employees were able to participate and give back to the community. Purchasing items in bulk wholesale allowed the company to extend the giving to as many organizations as possible.
Angeli feels strongly about the effects of the event on the staff. “It’s a great way for a company to help the community and to retain their employees. It attracts young people to a company because if a company is giving back, to the millennial generation, that’s what it’s all about,” she said.
Impact Day has inspired the employees to continue to service communities and spread the gift of giving. At this year’s conferences, Keenan will have a different kind of booth. Attendees will be invited to fill backpacks with supplies, which will be donated. The company will once again purchase from wholesalers to make it possible.
"The effort is not just stopping with Keenan and our employees, it’s now going out to our clients and potential clients," she said.
Community service should be practiced year-round. At DollarDays, where five percent of every purchase is donated to the charity or nonprofit of your choice, good citizenship and buying wholesale combine to create the biggest impact.