Making a difference with PK Service Hours.
Allison Ward, Public Knowledge® (PK) Programs Implementation and Evaluation Practice Director, recently spent her PK Service Hours volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Toy Store in Boise, Idaho. This annual event impacts local families by offering new toys, clothing, and other holiday essentials. Together with her mother, Allison sorted through donations. They also had the privilege of helping parents select the perfect gifts for their children.
“I was amazed at all of the donations that we got to sort through and offer to families, and I had a blast getting to help parents and kids shop for Christmas gifts,” said Allison.
Last year, families in Ada and Canyon County with children aged 0 to 18 could shop for gifts at no cost, thanks to donors and the efforts of volunteers. In 2023, the Christmas Toy Store provided gifts to 5,847 local children. It is a reminder of how community-driven efforts can transform lives during the holiday season.
Making a Difference Together
PK Cares, our initiative to ensure our people have time to give back to their communities, enables team members to volunteer for causes close to their hearts. Through PK Service Hours, employees have packed meals, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, participated in charity walks, and supported youth reading programs. These activities not only enrich our communities but also strengthen teamwork within PK.
Aligning with PK’s Mission and Vision
Allison’s experience at the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Toy Store aligns with PK’s mission to be a catalyst for change. She demonstrated how our collective actions align with the vision of making a lasting, positive impact. Acts of service like these also build connections between our team members and the communities we serve, reinforcing the shared humanity that underpins PK’s values. Each volunteering opportunity creates a ripple effect, leaving our projects, clients, colleagues, and communities better than when we began. Together, we continue to ignite change in our respective communities, one service hour at a time.