KeyBank's commitment to community service shined through once more during its 34th annual Neighbors Make The Difference Day. As part of a nationwide initiative, KeyBank employees took a day off from traditional banking duties to roll up their sleeves and volunteer within local communities, a testament to the bank's bicentennial of service, according to reports from WNDU. Despite looming heavy winds and potential storms, the spirit of giving back wasn't dampened, with numerous projects undertaken from Ohio to Michiana.
In what has become an annual tradition since its inception in 1991 in Alaska, KeyBank's initiative found employees actively involved in executing 18 volunteer projects across various regions. This year, branches across northwest Ohio and southern Michigan, noted for their storied past with organizations such as the Toledo Zoo and Meals on Wheels, added fresh endeavors to the list. The Toledo Blade detailed activities ranging from urban garden work to support at animal shelters, as provided by engaged employees across the region.
Mark Knierim, KeyBank's regional marketing manager, emphasized the profound significance of the event to employees, stating in a statement obtained by The Toledo Blade, "I think it takes on extra importance this year, because employees take a huge amount of pride in working in a company that’s been helping the community for 200 years." The sentiment was echoed by various KeyBank employees who celebrated the opportunity to contribute and connect with their communities outside of the bank walls.
A particular focus was given to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, where KeyBank has played a pivotal role in renovation efforts. Randy Englund, a KeyBank associate team lead and board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs, hailed the consistent and valuable support of KeyBank’s volunteering, as reported by The Toledo Blade. Through activities like aiding in Barefoot on the Beach—their signature fundraiser, which collects over $300,000 annually—employee engagement is further solidified.
FOX19 NOW's coverage included Jason Maxwell bringing to light the collective and individual commitments of KeyBank employees to their communities. Individual branches are known for year-round volunteer efforts, aligning with the company's mission to help their communities and clients thrive. An array of local organizations, such as the historic Church of St. Patrick and the Wood County Dog Shelter, were beneficiaries of KeyBank's philanthropy, as FOX19 NOW detailed in their report. Also acknowledged was the hands-on approach, which employee Steve Bowe found rewarding: "But it’s good to put a little sweat equity into our community, so I love doing it," he expressed in a statement obtained by The Toledo Blade.
