Nov 11th, 2020
Giving Back
Part 3: Children's Minnesota & YouthLink MN
Written by: Kirk Hoaglund, Executive Board Chair
For the past ten years we’ve committed to directing five percent of our annual net income to charitable causes. We also find ways to help with pro-bono and in-kind contributions. I’d like to continue this series – offering a few giving-back tips and telling you more about our favorite, deserving organizations.
Giving Back Tip #2: Work-A-Thon
Work-a-Thons are a popular and fun way for any organization to lend a hand. While more difficult in 2020, they are still possible. Offer the skills that are resident in your organization: IT, accounting, data management, planning, creative design, website building, social media, music, or video production. There are readily available, online guides for managing this volunteerism. At Clientek, we invite our own people plus anyone interested from our clients.
I can’t say it better than this organization says itself: “Caring for the most amazing people on earth. Caring for children is a privilege. And, we always do our best to live up to it.” Founded in 1924, Children’s has become one of the largest freestanding pediatric health systems in the United States—with two hospitals, 12 primary care clinics, six rehabilitation and nine specialty care sites. An independent, not-for-profit, they rely heavily on the support of the community.
You can donate directly online or consider helping with some of their other needs. They have many available volunteer opportunities including ways to become advocates for children and their families. This holiday season, it can be especially rewarding to provide gifts to children under care. Join their online, Virtual Gift Drive.
YouthLink is a nonprofit in downtown Minneapolis that helps young people between the ages of 16 and 24 on their journeys from homeless to hopeful. They welcome young people of all backgrounds, races, genders, and orientations. Now with more than 45 years of serving this community, listen to some of the stories they relayed in their 40th anniversary video.
You can donate online or help them out in other ways. Their many volunteer opportunities are easy to access via their new registration process. They can accept gifts from their Amazon Wish List or by drop-off at their Minneapolis location.
Clientek has enjoyed a long relationship with YouthLink and we’ve seen their incredible people in action. This is a remarkable and unique organization!
It is during tough times like these that worthy organizations need your help the most. The needs that Youthlink and Children’s address don’t dimmish while we struggle with the pandemic. They increase, putting huge stress on organizations trying their best to help. Jump in there and give them a hand. You’ll never forget the impact you’ll see.