Jamir Withers, a finance program analyst, recently let his inner child shine as he volunteered to build literacy kits for children in grades first to fifth. During the two-day Early Careers offsite for analysts in Chandler, Arizona he built kits for second graders.
“The thought of brightening a child’s day somewhere melts my heart,” he says.
Quiet and reserved, Jamir found himself stepping out of his comfort zone to take on a new opportunity to give back during the Book in a Bag volunteer event.
Jamir learned from a United Way presentation the importance of literacy in the development of young minds and how reading at or above the average reading rate can open new possibilities and opportunities for children.
“I think this is why everyone in the Chandler offsite was so intensely engaged in making our kits,” he explains. “Even a modest gesture makes a difference to someone. I enjoyed volunteering because it makes me feel like I’m positively contributing to society.”
Our vast network of volunteers
As part of the Early Careers offsites for early talent, analysts volunteered (on-site) across six cities with a local United Way chapter to pack kits for the community. The kit types varied by location, depending on the community need, but ranged from literacy to hygiene to pantry kits.
“Wells Fargo is strongly supportive of employee’s volunteer aspirations,” Jamir says. “We are encouraged to volunteer through our impact teams and employee resource networks.”
Impact teams elevate the visibility of sustainability and raise awareness about the company's philanthropic priorities while providing flexibility for employees to serve around their personal interests. Employees can also join one of ten Employee Resource Networks. These groups are a place to meet other volunteers to broaden the impacts they can make in their communities and learn and support one another.
Annually, Wells Fargo employees can use 16 paid community service hours to volunteer for a cause close to their hearts.
Spreading positive energy
Jamir found himself surrounded by dozens of his colleagues, all eager to help in any way they could. As the event kicked off, Jamir quickly found his rhythm, collaborating with his fellow volunteers to assemble the literacy kits. Each kit included a variety of materials designed to foster a love of reading in young children, including age-appropriate books, writing tools, and various learning aids.
In all, 155 book-in-a-bag kits, packed by the analysts, will be handed out at Avondale KidFest to elementary school students in the vibrant, historic, underserved neighborhoods in and around Avondale, AZ in the southwest Valley.
“With volunteering, you improve your community and strengthen your sense of belonging,” Jamir says. “The lives of people, animals, and organizations in need can change significantly even with the smallest of contributions.”
Jamir worked to ensure that each kit was put together with care to so that every child would have an enjoyable and educational experience.
Where volunteering and opportunity meet
Wells Fargo’s Early Careers Programs serve a critical component of the overall talent strategy. Programs range from highly specialized technical training programs to enterprise-wide leadership programs focused on the development of future leaders. Each event represented early talent participants from business lines within the company.
A long-lasting impact
Reflecting on his experience, Jamir could not help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He stepped outside of his daily routine as an analyst to make a tangible difference in the lives of a local community. Through his dedication, Jamir helped to empower young children with the tools they need to learn and thrive.
Thanks to Jamir and the efforts of his colleagues, elementary school students will receive literacy kits they will cherish for years to come. Jamir's commitment to making a positive community impact serves as a shining example to all of us on the power of volunteerism and the importance of giving back.