Subsidiaries Contribute to Communities
Community involvement is a core Hallmark value, and one that is shared with many Hallmark subsidiaries. Employees at subsidiaries such as Binney & Smith and DaySpring contribute money, products and volunteer efforts to their communities. Binney & Smith supports community Binney & Smith contributes to more than 60 arts, education, health and welfare, and civic organizations each year. The company gives hundreds of Crayola products annually to international nonprofit organizations through Gifts In Kind International, as well as to local organizations and schools in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. "An investment in the community is an investment in the company and in our employees," says Linda Hamilton, community affairs manager -- Binney & Smith. "We value and promote volunteerism and financial support of nonprofit community groups and educational programs, assuring our communities are strong, healthy places to live." Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lehigh Valley is one of the many organizations that benefit from Binney & Smith's generosity. The company supports Big Brothers Big Sisters through corporate contributions, and employees help the organization in a variety of ways, serving on the board of directors and as big brothers or sisters. "I was matched with my little brother about five years ago," says Tom Onushco, consumer affairs senior programmer analyst -- Binney & Smith. "Justin, now 13, is truly like a little brother to me. Watching him develop into an outstanding young man has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life." DaySpring extends charitable values DaySpring's charitable work extends into its local community and beyond through outreach activities and donations. In 2004, DaySpring and its employees made cash contributions to Christian, civic, health and school organizations in Siloam Springs,Ark., and to national and international organizations. DaySpring donated products to organizations and ministries around the country, including the American Rehabilitation Ministries, which distributes DaySpring greeting cards at prisons and jails. "Having an active employee-led community involvement program is part of our mission," says Jane Kisner, assistant to the president and ministry team leader -- DaySpring. "It demonstrates that we are a valuable part of the community and provides an opportunity for our employees to work together outside of the normal office environment." DaySpring employees receive two paid days a year to volunteer with local organizations. During the past four years, DaySpring employees have been instrumental in building a complex in Guinea Bissau, Africa. A group of 10 DaySpring employees organized a trip to Guinea Bissau to help complete the facility, which will be used as a place for children to learn English and computer skills, play sports and musical instruments, and participate in spiritual activities. "We found a country torn by revolution, in extreme poverty, and populated by children who had nothing. DaySpring has been able to make a difference in the area," says Laurel Vandiver, senior lettering designer -- DaySpring. "It made me realize how much we have here. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to go there and help." Involving more subsidiaries Binney & Smith and DaySpring are models for effective community involvement programs at subsidiaries, says Karen Bartz, community development manager. Later this year, Hallmark's community involvement department will begin working with other subsidiaries to lay the foundation for expanded charitable activities. "We'll recommend starting with core employee interests and adding charitable contributions of cash and products to expand and support those interests," Karen says. "Eventually, Hallmark?s commitment to the community will be apparent through our family of companies."
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