At Going, we love helping our members travel and experience the world. And while our members are out in the world discovering cool new places, trying delicious new foods, and welcoming unique experiences, our team enjoys taking time to give back, whether in our own communities or during our travels. We believe in the power of making a positive impact wherever we go. That's why we take pride in offering our team the opportunity to take one full day or two half days of paid time off for volunteering, enabling them to contribute meaningfully, whether at home or while on their adventures. In this article, we want to share with you the incredible stories of three of our colleagues who have truly embodied the spirit of giving. They've made lasting impacts through our Volunteer Time Off perk, both in their hometowns and while traveling the globe.

Let’s start with Deionna, our Senior User Acquisition Specialist. She used her Volunteer Time Off to support her local food pantry during the holiday season. By helping prepare warm meals for those in need, she experienced firsthand the joy of directly impacting others' lives. As a beautiful reminder of the good she put out into the world, a random stranger outside gifted her two bouquets of flowers, which she graciously shared with her mother. Deionna's story teaches us that every act of kindness is returned in its own special way.

Now let’s meet Amber, our Senior Talent Acquisition Manager, as she joined a local gleaning organization to collect excess fresh produce from farms and provide it to those in need. By partnering with a local ministry, she and her team spent hours picking thousands of fresh peppers for food shelters in South Florida. Amber discovered that gleaning is essential to prevent wasted produce when farms meet annual quotas. Through her efforts, Amber ensured that nutritious food reached those who needed it most. Her story highlights the impact we can make by preventing food waste and nourishing our communities.

Last but not least, Katie, our Director of Content Marketing, is no stranger to using our Volunteer Time Off perk at home and while traveling. From transporting rescued cats to safety during the pandemic to joining Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen to prepare food for firefighters during the fires in Napa and Sonoma, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to giving back. Most recently, during her trip to Hawaii, Katie stopped at a local humane society and took an adoptable dog on an epic day-long adventure. Katie's story reminds us that volunteering knows no boundaries, and even while exploring new places, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others.

These inspiring stories from Deionna, Amber, and Katie exemplify the remarkable impact our team members have achieved through our Volunteer Time Off perk. Their dedication and selflessness resonate with the core values of Going, demonstrating that giving back is an integral part of who we are. By creating space for our employees to make a difference during work hours, we foster stronger, more vibrant communities. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness, inspire others, and build communities where compassion thrives.

Want to get involved but not sure where to start? We've got some great resources to help you out! Take a look at the Point App, dosomething.org, or VolunteerMatch to find opportunities near you. If you're tight on time, there are plenty of flexible ways to get involved virtually. You can try apps like Be My Eyes or volunteer for notable organizations like The Smithsonian or Zooniverse. A quick Google search can open up a world of endless opportunities!

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