Linked by Empathy is one of Prolink's six core values. We boldly believe that empathy is the foundation of meaningful relationships, and we seek to live it out every day. What is even more bold, perhaps, is a company that doesn't simply talk the talk; as an organization, Prolink walks the walk, too.
We believe it is our responsibility to give back to the communities in which we live and work. To that end, Prolink offers full-time internal team members up to 8 hours of volunteer time off (VTO) to use each calendar year.
As many of us count our blessings this time of year, here are some examples of how our Prolink Family has given back in 2022.
Several members of our Recruiting and CRM teams in the Greater Cincinnati area volunteered with Community Matters, an organization based in the Lower Price Hill Community that focuses on family sustainability, education pathways, resident leadership, and a thriving community. Prolink team members, including Ashley M., Dalton J., Ebony B., Erin M., Gage D., Madeline G., Miracle H., Miranda L., Nikki G., and Taylor S., served as personal shoppers at the Community Market. The team assisted parents from the neighborhood as they selected and purchased brand new toys for the holidays at a nominal fee.
In what is becoming an annual tradition, Danielle M.'s Recruiting Team in Columbia, S.C., adopted a family in need through Families Helping Families (FHF) in the Midlands and purchased Christmas gifts for them. Typically, the families include 5-8 people, with children ranging from infants to 18 years old. Prolink team members use their own funds to purchase a toy or game, a book, and some clothing items from each child's Christmas list. Mom and Dad also receive a few gifts plus a grocery store gift card to purchase the family's holiday meal. In 2022, FHF will help more than 3,600 families throughout South Carolina.
Hayley F. took time out to ring the bell in Tampa for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, an annual tradition that began in 1891 when Salvation Army Capt. Joseph McFee wanted to address San Francisco's poverty and hunger issues during the holidays. 2022 marks the 132nd holiday season with the jingling bells and iconic red kettles. The campaign runs through Christmas Eve in communities across the country.
Cassy K. volunteered at Together Digital's East Summit. Together Digital is a national organization that educates and empowers women within the digital space to speak about, seek out, and be the change they wish to see in themselves and the industry. The East Summit is designed to connect and inspire professionals throughout the eastern U.S. with a series of engaging speakers and sessions on branding, data security, culture inclusivity, and social activism.
While giving back with our time and financial resources are often most appreciated during the holiday season, Prolink has committed to making an impact year-round. In 2022, Prolink has donated more than $1.08 million to several charitable organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Companions on a Journey, Dress for Success, Make-A-Wish, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati.
As Prolink continues to walk the walk, we hope that our VTO program is an embodiment of our core values. After all, we believe to grow with people, you have to get people.
