Shirley Burns, David Decker, and Sandy Whitver have been awarded a Volunteer Leave Award from Wells Fargo. These awards are presented annually to a select group of Wells Fargo team members and enable them to take up to four months off, while still receiving full pay and benefits, to focus on a community-based volunteer project of their choice. These three individuals are among 24 Wells Fargo team members across the country to receive an award this year.
Shirley Burns
Operations Analyst
Wells Fargo Technology & Operations, Chandler
Burns will receive 45 days of paid leave supporting the Back-to-School Clothing Drive Stiches of Love program. The organization’s mission is to provide new school uniforms and outfits, backpacks and school supplies for children in need. She will create a filing system and database to help the organization keep track of donors, business partners, volunteers, and participating schools. Burns resides in Mesa.
David Decker
Operations Manager
Community Banking Business Direct, Phoenix
Decker will receive three weeks of paid leave to support Justa Center of Phoenix. The Center is a day resource center for elderly homeless people, age 55 and older. Justa Center is the only senior-focused day center in the U.S. and its mission is to help members address the problems that led to their homeless situation, which can include catastrophic medical issues, job loss, substance abuse, and/or mental health issues. Decker will work with Justa Center directors to establish a nonprofit estate moving business that will to move clients’ belongs into new housing. The decision to move forward with this project was approved some time ago, but they were unable to proceed because they did not have a dedicated resource. Decker will fill that need during his leave. Decker resides in Cave Creek.
Sandy Whitver
Operations Analyst
Wells Fargo Technology & Operations, Chandler
Whitver will receive one week of paid leave to the Back-to-School Clothing Drive New Beginnings program. During her leave, Whitver will help prepare for and participate in New Clothes, New Beginnings, a week-long distribution held in July where approximately 6,000 pre-selected Title 1 students come and pick up a back pack containing school supplies, a school uniform, personal items , and select an outfit and accessories. Whitver resides in Deer Valley.
“Wells Fargo team members from across Arizona are out in our communities making a difference in the lives of others on a daily basis,” said Pam Conboy, Lead Regional President for Wells Fargo Arizona. “Each year our team members volunteer their time and talent in communities across the country, helping thousands of individuals, families, and nonprofit groups. Our Volunteer Leave Program is one way that we honor this community involvement, and recognize our most exceptional team member volunteers like Shirley, David and Sandy.”
Wells Fargo’s Volunteer Leave Program was established in 1976. Wells Fargo team members who have been with the company for five years, and who meet other criteria, may apply. Winners are chosen annually based on their personal commitment to the organization, their proposed project, and the potential impact that their project goals will have on addressing a specific social issue.
Wells Fargo encourages team members to get involved in the communities where they live and work. In 2012, 57,036 team members reported a total of 1.5 million community involvement and volunteer hours, an 8.2% increase over 2011, and a contribution valued at $32.7 million1. Examples of volunteer activities included Habitat for Humanity builds; restoring parks and public land; and delivering financial education to 153,902 individuals and families using Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking® program.
