Sparks Employees Score for United Way
At many companies, employees can wear jeans at work during certain days of the week or for special occasions.
At JSJ's Sparks Belting business in Grand Rapids, Mich., employees pay for the privilege of casual dress days. And they're happy to do it. For each Blue Jeans Day "sticker" they buy, the $3 fee goes to West Michigan United Way during its annual United Way campaign.
That creative fund-raising idea (borrowed successfully from another JSJ business) was one of several ways the Sparks team increased its 2008 giving to United Way by 44 percent, says Patrice Shay, human resources analyst. "Our employees really have a deep understanding of what United Way does for our community," she says. "There have been many reports of joblessness and homelessness due to the exceptionally poor economy this past year. People are thinking, ‘What can I possibly do to help others?' This is a good way to do that."
Pat manages the fall United Way campaign events, tracks fund-raising results and cheers on employee involvement during the 10-week United Way campaign, September to November. In 2008, 100 percent of Sparks employees participated in at least one activity linked to the employee communications "football" theme - blue jean days, bake sale, weenie roast tailgater potluck and pizza lunch day. That involvement made them eligible toward drawings for:
- Sparks Belting hooded sweatshirt (6)
- Full day off with pay (2)
- Half day with pay (2)
- Deluxe snowbrush (4) - always a good idea in Michigan!
- Tickets for a University of Michigan football game
In 2008, pledges totaled more than $9,100 - earning a special shout-out to Sparks employees in United Way's local campaign newsletter.
About Sparks
A conveyor belt and pulley manufacturer, Sparks is a recognized leader in package handling, food products, agricultural, bakery, construction and building materials conveyor applications.