Serving others is in our DNA at UCB – from committing to patients in our daily jobs to finding ways to make a difference in our communities through volunteerism. Each year, UCB employees get 32-hours of time off to volunteer their time at non-profits of their choice, and COVID-19 has not slowed us down from using those hours to help others during this difficult time. This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating our employees, whose selfless efforts during this COVID-19 pandemic inspire us.

Check out a few of our favorite stories from UCB employees about their experiences supporting the community in creative ways:

“I started a group on Facebook to help support frontline health care workers as both my sister-in-laws are working in COVID-19 positive units in Boston. The group has grown to almost 800 members and has been shared many times. We fill baskets with snacks that continue to go out to many hospitals in MA and Southern NH due to the generosity of people at home. It is helping to teach my daughters to give back while we are stuck home and what the power of giving can do.” – Lisa C.

“My husband and I did contactless meal deliveries last week! Great way to help out in a safe environment!” – Helen T.

“I am part of my neighborhood food and essential items drive. We buy/collect food and drop off at elderly neighbors’ homes to ensure they do not risk their lives while going to the grocery store to look for food and other household essential items.” – Queen A.

“Normally, I volunteer an hour a week tutoring homeless teens outside of St. Louis and luckily I can continue to do this virtually. The teens are all safe and healthy at a group home.  I am in the process of training right now to become a certified crisis counselor that I can continue as we work through this global pandemic.” – Sheri R.

“All the summers my mother, who is a retired home economics teacher, taught me to sew have come in handy.  With time and extra fabric from other projects, my mother and I made and donated 50 masks for a local ER and 50 masks to help protect the culinary service workers preparing food and for the many food challenged neighbors in our community. I’ve also made masks for my coworkers’ friends and their families. It feels good to help.” – Melissa H.

“I joined 8 other UCB colleagues from the Raleigh office to volunteer virtually via tutoring students currently being home schooled. Opportunities ranged from helping 1st grade through 5th graders with math, science, and English homework as well as working with them in structured online webinars.” -Becky M.

From masking up to volunteering in person or finding news ways to do so virtually, we couldn’t be prouder of how our employees have risen to the challenge, gotten creative, and served others. We know to get through this COVID-19 pandemic, we must generously support each other – we are stronger together.