By Trish Svoboda

Twenty-one companies based in Kansas are participating in the Give Back Kansas Challenge this year, running from April 1 to May 31, 2024. The aim is to encourage Kansans to engage in volunteering supported by their employers.

Employees involved in volunteering have the chance to gain recognition by monitoring and submitting their volunteer hours. They also stand a chance to win a $1,000 grant from Volunteer Kansas, which will be directed to the nonprofit organization of their choosing.

Volunteer Kansas is collaborating with the Kansas Volunteer Commission to introduce the challenge to Kansans. Nola Brown, executive director of Volunteer Kansas, said they are thrilled to have a record number of businesses compete in the challenge. She said that participation has grown each year as employers realize the value of serving their communities alongside their employees and encourage them to volunteer.

Participation in the challenge is free of charge. Businesses are categorized into three groups according to their number of employees. Volunteer hours are logged using an online platform. Winners will be chosen from each category based on the average number of volunteer hours completed per business throughout the challenge duration.