Wedge Employees Donate Benefit Hours to Katrina Recovery

By Sarah Zaug, Human Resources Manager

My co-workers at the Wedge continue to amaze me with their concern and caring for community. After the hurricanes in August and September, Michelle Hutchins, an employee, called me with an idea. She asked if employees could donate unused Community Service Hours to hurricane relief organizations. I did some research and then brought the idea to our General Manager, Lindy Bannister. She agreed and we met with our Financial Manager, Elka Malkis and created a plan and marketed the idea to employees. The response to the option to donate hours was fantastic! Overall, 313 hours were donated, totaling $5,162!

Since the Wedge already accepted American Red Cross donations at the registers, employees were able to donate their hours to one or all of the following organizations assisting with hurricane relief: The Jazz Foundation (helping displaced musicians), Noah's Wish (helping displaced animals) and the Cooperative Development Fund (assisting with the rebuilding effort of southern co-ops).

Thanks to all employees who donated hours, thanks to members who support strong employee benefits and most especially, thanks to Michelle for the great idea!