Putting Human into Humanities
“I plan to make a meal for the entire Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and then hand out hats and mittens as well, so each person has their own set to have and keep. I give back to this organization because I used to work here five years ago, and the organization helps many in our community get onto their own two feet after a struggle/disaster. In Maine, it is much harder being homeless than in other states because of the cold and lack of services so giving back to this organization when they already do so much, only seems right to me.” – Caitlyn Wood, retail wireless consultant
“I work with Love Inc of Lake County and help deliver furniture to people in need and then picks up furniture from people keeping good furniture out of landfills. It means a lot to see children who have been sleeping on the floor finally get a bed to sleep in. Or see someone fresh out of military service receive all the furniture they need to fill an apartment.” – Christopher Becker, principal database administrator
Caring for Animals
“In 2025, I plan to volunteer for several organizations. One of them is Great Plains Mastiff Rescue, where I serve as their Vice President, foster, transport and serve on several committees. I choose to give back to them because their cause is near and dear to my heart. There are so many unwanted pets in the US and especially in the states of Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas where we focus our efforts. It is incredibly rewarding to see the mastiffs we’ve fostered thriving in their new homes.” – Michelle Bennett, senior manager local marketing engagement
“I believe that volunteering at different communities throughout the year is very important as it may come as a surprise as to what organizations don’t receive a lot of help! I plan on working with the Hope and justice Project in my area by providing counseling services to battered women. I also plan on supporting our local humane society (Central Aroostook Humane Society) as they are about to open a new building to fit more animals. I want to give back because I believe that there I no such thing as too much help in this world.” – Jaclyn Gilbert, retail wireless consultant
Stepping Up to the Board
“I have had the great privilege of serving as the president of the Advisory Board of After School Matters. It is such a rewarding experience, particularly the interactions directly with the teens. I’m excited to continue in this role in 2025 to help continue serving thousands of teens that wouldn’t otherwise have access to such programming.” – Michael Smith, senior director of tower sales & business development
“I am honored to have recently been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Lucky Foundation (Wisconsin), a non-profit organization dedicated to building a supportive community for individuals with developmental and physical special needs through a therapeutic horsemanship program. As a lifelong equestrian, I am deeply moved by the empowering impact horses have on both youth and adults. It’s difficult to fully convey the profound experience of a child with limited mobility being carried by the powerful legs of a horse, but I assure you, it’s truly heartwarming.” – Michelle Kruse, contact center operations administrative coordinator
Giving Support to Sports
“The disc golf courses at the Dane County Parks have relied on volunteerism as a major contributor towards the overall upkeep of the courses for the past 20+ years. We focus our efforts on slowing erosion, removing noxious/invasive weeds, and improving the overall experience for park users. Since 2022, I have volunteered over 200 hours of my time to this organization and will continue to do so in 2025!” – Patrick Meyer, fraud and risk prevention analyst
“For my 6th year in a row, I will be volunteering my time towards coaching through the Schaumburg Athletic Association. I believe that coaching, training, and giving immediate feedback is extremely healthy and makes kids coachable. Coachable kids will turn into coachable adults. We are playing baseball, but I’m also shaping men of our future in our community. I want the players to learn self-discipline, how to be a great teammate, as well as the core fundamentals of the game.” – Vincent Swan, integrated business planning manager
UScellular supports our associates’ passion for giving back year-round through our Associate Match Program and our Dollars for Doers volunteer grants. Find more information about these programs, click here.