When Oliver Lee moved to Capitol Hill in 2010, he wanted to volunteer with a food bank. Around that time, the Polack Food Bank was preparing to reopen after its expansion, so it was the perfect occasion for him to get involved with JFS. Lee has been volunteering weekly ever since. During his shifts, he hands out groceries and restocks shelves.
“By far, the most meaningful part is the client interaction and seeing firsthand the impact of my volunteering,” explains Lee. “I enjoy talking with clients as they come through and giving a personal touch by remembering things about the regulars. I also feel it really helps broaden my perspective on the realities in our country.”
Outside of JFS, Lee works as a software developer at Microsoft. Microsoft and many other generous philanthropic companies in our region offer employee matching programs. Some have a monetary matching program in which the corporation matches employee donations. Others provide matching funds for the hours their employees volunteer. Some companies donate as much as $25 per hour for the time their employees contribute to non-profits. Each company has its own policy, so be sure to check in with your human resources department to see if your donations of time and/or money qualify.
These generous matches substantially increase the impact of individual donations, expanding the ability of JFS to serve vulnerable individuals and families with the help they need to achieve well-being, health and stability.
Check out our current volunteer opportunities. If your company provides matching funds for donations or volunteer hours, please email donate@jfsseattle.org.
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Community of Caring Luncheon.
