Nikki Bouldin, a consumer credit risk analyst at Wells Fargo, recently had the opportunity to participate in an Early Careers offsite event in Charlotte, NC. This event had a purpose beyond a usual corporate retreat: to package snack packs for underserved children in the community, in conjunction with the local United Way.

As a new employee with eight months on the job, Nikki was eager to participate. The opportunity to share a common goal with her colleagues, while doing something meaningful that would have a lasting impact upon the children in their community, proved to be a transformative experience.

Through the experience, Nikki discovered the power of giving back. She also discovered that volunteering enables her to hone various leadership and communication skills that she can apply to her work at Wells Fargo.

A mixed bag of goodness

More than 3,200 snack packs with crackers, fruit snacks, juice and a card with an inspiring quote were delivered to four locations including multiple Title IX Schools — schools in which 75 percent of kids qualify for subsidized breakfast and lunch.

Delivering the snack packs, Nikki says, serves more than providing them with a pick-me-up, it also shows them that people care. She encourages others to sign up for Wells Fargo volunteering opportunities and to give back to their community.

Volunteerism meets work-life balance

At Wells Fargo, full-time employees are eligible for 16 hours of paid community service time per calendar year to participate in eligible community service activities during the time when employees would otherwise be scheduled to work.

“In addition to giving back at the offsite, I was also able to step away from work for an afternoon and spend my time at a local food bank boxing meals for people in Charlotte, Nikki explains. “I think it speaks volumes that we are encouraged and supported by Wells Fargo to take time off to engage with our local communities.”

Volunteering has helped Nikki feel a greater sense of belonging and she is more excited to come work knowing her teammates on a more personal level. The opportunity for growth and meaningful bonding with colleagues has enriched her life, broadened her perspectives, and allowed her to connect profoundly with others.

Ultimately, she discovered that giving back to the community is more than a feel-good activity; it is a way of life.