For Stryker volunteers, their recent Day of Caring experience was all about impact.

The team made an impact with the hands-on volunteer work they completed for YWCA Kalamazoo on May 30 and saw the effect their support through United Way has on the programs there.

“It’s really heartwarming to see where your dollars go and see how much it’s appreciated,” said Claudia Camp, an employee from the Instruments business who received the opportunity to volunteer with Stryker’s Chairman and CEO Kevin Lobo when her name was chosen in a company drawing.

“We feel that we have a responsibility to give back in the community, and we love to partner with United Way and the member organizations that they support,” said Lobo, who is chairing the 2017 Kalamazoo Campaign Cabinet.

“If you volunteer and you see the impact and you meet the families, it really touches your heart. Then, when it’s time to actually give money, you understand where it’s going,” he added.

The seven volunteers first enjoyed lunch with some of the families that the YWCA serves, and then dove into their assigned projects. One team organized and kitted toiletry bags, while another helped make improvements to the Children’s Center’s outdoor playground.

They used tree slices to lay a natural path for children to follow, painted the colors of the rainbow on a fence panel, and hung pots and pans to create a music station.

“This is how we build community, by bringing together people and resources,” said United Way BCKR Interim CEO Chris Sargent, who joined the team in the outdoor work.

Gretta Terrentine, Director of Development and Marketing for YWCA, said Stryker volunteers supplemented the work of staff, plus accomplished projects that otherwise might not have happened.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to share all the work that we do,” she said. “We really appreciate the chance to get the word out to the greater community about who we are, what we do and how we work, as well as the impact we’re trying to make.”

Stryker has long been a champion for giving back to the community, and several employees spoke of the pride that brings them.

“We encourage all of our employees, especially as part of their work teams, to do the Day of Caring,” Lobo said. “United Way does a great job organizing these events, and we encourage other companies to do the same, to provide time for their employees to give back – to make it real.”

If you or your organization wish to volunteer in Day of Caring, contact us at getinvolved@uwbckr.org, or click here for our volunteer online form.