Volunteer Day 2024
Each year we pick a week to mobilize company-wide in service to our local communities. While Dairyland employees volunteer year-round on their own and in small groups, Live Engaged Volunteer Day (LEVD) is a chance to coordinate our efforts and invite others to join us.
Thank you to everyone who participated – customers, vendor partners, family, and friends! Together, we are passionately using business as a force for good to make a safer world for ourselves, our families, neighbors, customers, and people around the world.
Here are a few snapshots from a week of volunteering, fun, and togetherness. Some picked up garbage along highways while others packed food at food distribution centers, served with Habitat for Humanity, prepared safe spaces for folks with disabilities, and more. Notice some fun accessories and outfits? This year we incorporated an extra element of whimsy by making it Spirit Week, selecting a unique accessory theme for each day: hats, fancy socks, sports apparel, decades, Dairyland-themed gear, and camouflage.
A group from our Manufacturing and Supply Chain location in Pound spent time cleaning our stretch of highway that was adopted by Dairyland.
Many volunteered at various food banks and pantries. Two groups kicked off the week at Second Harvest in Madison, occupying both the morning and afternoon shifts.
Volunteering with our technology partner, The20, was a pleasure as we built personal connections while serving our community. By the end of our shift, staff estimated we helped divert 3,000 pounds of produce from the landfill to those in need. It was inspiring to see both the positive impact for people in our communities and the reduction of food waste. Even the blemished produce we sorted was diverted to feed pigs! – Amy
Working at Second Harvest was a really positive experience. In addition to four Dairyland office employees, we were joined by one of our recruiting partners who wanted to take time out of her day to join us. It was hard work, and we packaged close to 1200 lbs. of cereal to be distributed to families across southern Wisconsin. – Cassie
Three different groups of Dairyland employees from the Stoughton office spent time at the Habitat for Humanity Restore over the course of Volunteer Week.
Up north, another group from our Manufacturing facility volunteered at Camp Daniel, an organization we have worked closely with for the last few years.
I never doubt that volunteering is going to be meaningful, but it always surprises me just how rewarding it feels. I loved getting to work alongside teammates and Jen, one of our trusted business consultants, to support Camp Daniel’s mission to serve folks with disabilities. They run on volunteer support and generosity; it’s an honor to play a small part in what they make possible. This is consistently one of my favorite weeks of the year. – Kailey
Our remote employees also participated, volunteering at food banks and food pantries assisting people in their areas.
I had a good time at the food bank – they have an interesting program where folks in need can log in to their system and order food basics for delivery. We boxed up the orders based on what they wanted (canned goods, milk, eggs, vegetable, fruit, cheese, etc.) and then prepared for the delivery drivers. It works well for some folks who are hesitant to go to a food shelter and request help – it gets more food out to those in need. A novel approach in my mind. – Phil
If you participated in LEVD and have photos you would like to share, please send them to LiveEngaged@dairyland.com.
Save the Date: Starting in 2025, we’re moving Volunteer Day to the spring! We will announce the exact week shortly, so stay tuned.