International Volunteer Day – December 5th

Our communities work better when we help each other. That’s why, on Dec. 5 each year, we celebrate International Volunteer Day (IVD). This observance, which was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985, is a chance for individual volunteers, communities and organizations to promote their contributions to development at the local, national and international levels. It combines UN support with the grassroots efforts of people and volunteer organizations that collaborate with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community groups, academia and the private sector.

Did you know that more than 80 countries mark this important day every year? That tells you something of its importance.

At USBA, we observe International Volunteer Day—and we also find ways to support our community throughout the year. Our employees give their time, talent and donations to a variety of organizations. Here are a few examples of our community support.

Veteran’s Community Project

Nearly 38,000 of our nation’s military veterans are homeless. That’s the latest estimate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and it’s something we care very much about at USBA. 

The privately funded Veterans Community Project (VCP) of Kansas City, Missouri, works tirelessly to help homeless veteran’s transition to a new phase in their lives. This support includes a village of tiny homes, a Veterans Outreach Center and the VCP Village Community Center.

USBA has volunteered in the home construction and property maintenance phases, and along with our underwriter New York Life, sponsored one of the tiny homes. Today, VCP is expanding its support to other metropolitan areas across the nation. 

Wreaths Across America

Since 1992, Wreaths Across America (WAA) has lived up to its mission to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom through visits to schools, civic groups and other organizations. In addition, WAA volunteers lay fresh evergreen wreaths on military gravesites in national cemeteries across America each December.

This coming holiday season, USBA is once again sponsoring and participating in the placement of 500 wreaths on veterans’ graves located at Ft. Leavenworth in Kansas. 

United Way

United Way holds a special place in hearts of all of us at USBA. Each year we sponsor an entire week of activities aimed at driving donations for the United Way of Greater Kansas City. 

It’s an honor for USBA to support an organization that “…uses its experience and expertise to assemble the best service agencies and programs and the most generous volunteers and donors to provide the farthest-reaching network of support for those in need…” 

Learn more about volunteerism at USBA.

Are you interested in finding your own volunteer opportunity that matches your personal passion? Volunteer Match can help you identify organizations in your area that are looking for support.