In honor of National Volunteer Month, S. M. Wilson’s philanthropic program, #SMWill, is honoring employees for their volunteer efforts and encouraging them to support organizations in their local communities.
#SMWill was first introduced in August 2018 by providing funds for “Investing in our communities through partnering with organizations focused on supporting the health and education of children”. After a favorable first-impression, the program officially went into effect in January 2019 offering a company donation match for individuals, a paid day off for volunteer service with a 501(c)(3) and donation funds.
Since its launch, #SMWill has donated $42,102 to various organizations including Aim High St. Louis, Care to Learn, Wyman Center, Central Institute for the Deaf, Boy Scouts of America, United Services for Children and more. S. M. Wilson employees have also donated their own time and resources by participating in the Cardinal Glennon Sun Run, Ready Readers, Little Bit Foundation, CHADS Coalition and Pedal the Cause to benefit Siteman Kids, to name a few.
With a formal structure in place, #SMWill also serves as a resource for employees to help identify volunteer opportunities. The program hosts an array of 501(c)(3) organizations to educate employees and promote team-building experiences. The company also advocates for its employees to set aside time for team volunteer days and encourages employees to leverage paid volunteer time off to support the community.
Beyond the Build, we believe in building the future of our communities, which includes the health and education of future generations. #SMWill recently sponsored Team Lily for the Homers for Health Game Ball Relay, an annual event to celebrate the Cardinals home opener benefitting SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. On opening day, Wilsonites joined Lily and her relay team to carry the official home opener ball through St. Louis Ballpark Village.
Following the Relay, S. M. Wilson Controller, Mike Mangiore, and Business Development Manager, Kristyn Newbern, attended Glennon 101 for an inside look at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Attendees were given the role of “Intern for a Day”, learning about the many programs the hospital offers through small group tours and candid conversations with faculty, staff, families and patients sharing experiences at Cardinal Glennon.
To learn more about our community involvement and #SMWill’s impact on the areas we build, visit smwilson.com/smwill.