Switch it up at work to help kids

By Ainsley Hogan

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Corridor Goes Casual for Kids is a simple idea with a noble cause: Designate an annual day when employees throughout the Corridor donate $5 toward the children's charity of their choice. This year's event is today. And while the most popular participation is to donate $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans, this is only one way to get involved.

The focus is not what you wear, but what you raise (and who you help). If you already dress casual at work, you can change the premise to wear your favorite hat or favorite sports team, paying $5 for the honor. Or in the case of Cedar Valley Steel, its CFO Michele Means plans to make ice cream sundaes and sell them for $5 each. Or at J.W. Morton & Associates, staff will pay $5 to wear their favorite hat. Make the day fun and encourage participation at your office. Businesses are not asked to donate dollars; they are simply asked to allow their staff to participate.

The first step is to visit corridorgoescasual

forkids.com, sign up and learn how easy it is to get involved.

The idea for this event took root in the mind of local businessman Paul Phelan. For three years, he and other like-minded individuals have pooled energy and resources to bring attention and much-needed funding to kids' non-profits in the Corridor. Last year, more than 160 businesses raised money for 48 non-profits in one day. The impact reverberates throughout the Corridor, long after the event ends.

One of the young people who has benefited from Boys & Girls Clubs, Jeffrey Chambers, was invited to speak at this year's Casual for Kids kickoff. Jeffrey shared the story of how our non-profit made the difference in his life. With his courage and our encouragement, he turned in his abusive father to the police. This forever changed his life. He was able to focus on his grades, which were close to failing, by removing himself from the situation and living with his aunt and uncle. He came to the club every day, receiving help with homework and getting his grades back on track. The club gave Jeffrey and his younger siblings a safe place to learn and grow. We also enrolled him in the Junior Staff program where he gained tremendous leadership skills.

Jeffrey's young life is one of many changed by Corridor non-profits that look out for the health and well-being of our children. Last year, the club received $1,377 from nine area businesses that took part in Casual for Kids. Those are critical dollars when you consider we help 350 kids during the school year and 400 through our summer program, and that we have grown from serving 125 kids in 2008 to 350 kids today.

Ainsley Hogan is director of annual giving, Boys & Girls Club of Cedar Rapids. Comments: ainsleysue@gmail.com.