National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 18-24, 2021, is an annual observance recognizing the vital work that volunteers provide in their communities. It is also an opportunity to get out there, get educated, get inspired, and think about how you can be of service either in person in your community or virtually.
Giving back is a cornerstone of Cambia’s culture. Despite numerous challenges in 2020, employees across our footprint stepped up to serve those in need, volunteering more than 8,200 hours to collect books, deliver food, perform outreach, knit hats, paint ceramics, foster animals, and countless other activities, all safely and mindful of the pandemic.
We want to highlight a few of their experiences and the work they are doing to support local communities during this unique year.
“As a volunteer for the Children's Book Bank, which donates thousands of books every year to children across the Portland Metro area, I have the opportunity to support my passion for children literacy by helping to provide kids with engaging, culturally diverse books that ignite curiosity, spark the imagination, and open their young minds to limitless possibilities.” — Hanna Herrin, Board Ambassador, The Children’s Book Bank, Portland, OR
“Sadly, the diabetes epidemic in the United States continues to escalate out of control. After participating in the American Diabetes Association of Seattle’s fundraising campaign, Tour de Cure, over twelve years ago, I have become increasingly involved with the organization. The work, which includes education, outreach, legislative action and addressing the specific needs of underserved communities, feeds my soul and enables me to support the future wellbeing of my community.” — Drew Oliveira, Community Leadership Board Member, American Diabetes Association, Seattle, WA
The YWCA does so much for the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley as well as the surrounding communities to improve the lives of girls and women. In 2016, the YWCA started coming to my company’s Lewiston office and allowing us to use our creativity to support a great cause. As someone who regularly received help from my community as a child and a very artistic person this opportunity to pay it forward forward was something that really called to me. I've been painting bowls for their fundraising events, including the Soup Soiree Silent Auction, ever since! — Amber Hargens, Artisan, YWCA, Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, ID
