WKMR employees make sandwiches for clients of local United Way partner agencies.
November 30, 2017
Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
When Karen Rux, administrative assistant at accountancy firm Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C.’s Oconomowoc office, was deciding what activities to choose for the annual United Way campaign, she knew it had to be flexible. “I wanted activities that everyone in our company could participate in, whether they had a lot of time or just a little,” says Karen. “I wanted to have both small and large ways to get involved.”
Karen remembered her son telling her about a fun United Way campaign activity he did at his workplace: making sandwiches for local shelters. “My son volunteers a lot, and he said it was one of the most enjoyable volunteer projects he had ever done,” says Karen.
Karen and the WKMR team asked employees to donate supplies to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, then set up a station in the office where folks could take a break in their day to make one or more sandwiches. All sandwiches would go to benefit clients of local organizations like The Women’s Center and Penfield Children’s Center.
“Employees responded like crazy!” says Karen. After making nearly 100 sandwiches, WKMR even had leftover peanut butter and jelly that they donated to The Women’s Center, a United Way program partner that serves families affected by violence and abuse. “Whether they were able to bring in peanut butter, make sandwiches, or both…it’s all good!” says Karen.
In addition to making sandwiches, employees of WKMR enjoyed other fun United Way campaign activities such as $5 jeans days and a $1 per guess jar of candy. “They’re accountants so they love to deal with numbers…they liked that activity,” says Karen.
“WKMR has been involved with United Way since 1995,” says Michelle Johnson, WKMR marketing manager, “as part of our firm culture, WKMR team members are encouraged to follow their interests and give their time and talents to support the community. United Way is a great organization in doing just that – supporting our community. We know that our efforts and dollars are going back to people and families close to home.”
WKMR employees are proud of the company’s commitment to the community. “There are a lot of people here who support the mission of United Way, and many who volunteer outside of work,” says Karen. “Our employees also do a lot of pro bono work. It’s just part of the culture.”
Reflecting on their 2017 United Way campaign, particularly the sandwich-making activity, Karen is pleased with the results: “this really drove home where our donated dollars go. A gift to United Way stays in our community…you really get the bang for your buck.”
While the 2017 United Way Community Campaign is drawing to a close, you can stay involved year-round by doing a sandwich making project or any number of other volunteer projects. Visit our website to browse current needs.