Dirty Hands & Big Hearts

WEXers are used to working hard, and for over 20 years they’ve dedicated their time to make a difference in the greater Portland community by volunteering for the United Way’s Day of Action. This year, our team of 123 employees joined an army of close to 2,000 other volunteers to lend a helping hand to 75+ local non-profits and schools.

“When new people sign up to volunteer, I tell them it will be the toughest work they’ll ever love,” says Dan Gerrish, who’s been with WEX for 25 years and helps coordinate volunteers for this annual event. “I’ve led the volunteer site at the Salvation Army for 16 years, and this year we sorted and boxed over 32 tons of food that were collected by the postal service for its Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. At the end of the day, all that food will go to five local food pantries. Many bellies will be filled from our day’s work.”

Other WEXers got their hands dirty landscaping and helping Camp Ketcha prepare for its summer camp program designed to connect kids of all ages to the land. And education was the focus for the many individuals that helped sort and organize donations for Ruth’s Reusable Resources, an organization which provides the supplies kids need to succeed in school. Another WEX contingent helped out at Partners For World Health, a local organization that recycles medical supplies to improve global health.

In addition to making a difference in the communities where they live and work, Gerrish notes that volunteers also enjoy connecting with other WEXers they might not normally interact with. The Day of Action draws volunteers from all levels of the organization, and WEXers who participated got a paid day off that was in addition to their yearly two days of volunteer time off. Learn more about our commitment to social responsibility and see how we think globally and act locally to support our communities.