ELKHART — Seven more corporations have joined the community service initiative launched this year by Lippert Components Inc.
Brunswick, Cintas, Gibson, Heritage Financial Group, Interra Credit Union, Smoker Craft and Welch Packaging have joined ActsofService.com since the site launched in June. The website connects causes in need of manpower with companies looking to donate volunteer hours, while letting employees log the time they put in toward their company’s goal.
Think of crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter but with hours instead of dollars.
Organizations can list their one-time or ongoing needs on a shared event calendar and specify how many volunteers they’re looking for. More than 50 children’s, health, safety and other organizations in and around Elkhart County are currently participating, from ADEC to the YMCA.
Upcoming events now listed include running Notre Dame football game concessions as a fundraiser for an animal welfare group or participating in a playground build for Child and Parent Services. Ongoing needs include reading to kids, coaching, clearing brush and sorting donations.
Ashley Molyneaux, executive director of the Elkhart Education Foundation, turned to the site to help them renovate elementary school libraries in the district. She noted it’s been a great way to get the job done faster.