Everyday guys pass on the spirit of giving and volunteering

In the hustle and bustle of the local Costco store, two men stand out as the leaders for engaging fellow employees in a caring spirit of volunteerism and generosity. William Carter and Ben Strong, encouraged by a corporate culture and leadership team, took on the role of coordinating the local United Way employee giving campaign that raised more than $75,000 this year.

Employees working in the fast-paced world of stocking warehouse shelves, baking all kinds of goodies, serving pizza and dogs from the deli, putting on winter tires, selling big screen TVs and electronics, working in the photo center or pharmacy, and helping customers to find what they are looking for, took time from their work schedules to listen to what the United Way is doing along with its partner agencies to help people in our community.

William Carter, who everyone just knows as "Carter" - has been with Costco since 2004. He's known for his quick smile, easygoing nature and a giant heart. Carter grew up in New Jersey and spent time in the military. His heart for service came from helping in the church he attended as a youth. At first he thought it was a good way to meet girls, but says he didn't know the Lord had other plans for him. He developed a heart to serve and help others. "It's about lightening the burden," says Carter. "You never know when someone's life is going to change and you can help to be that change."

Known as a fantastic "foodie and cook" Carter is often asked to cater celebrations and events. He has a heart for feeding the hungry and is well known in his church and the community for coordinating a Thanksgiving basket program to make sure families have that special meal. This year Carter partnered efforts with the Community Action Partnership and the KROC Center and helped to deliver 500 Thanksgiving baskets.

Carter married a local girl, Susan, in 1995. He loves to golf and barbecue.

Ben Strong has been with Costco for 15 years. Ben says he raises his hand to volunteer because he feels well taken care of at Costco. "Sometimes it is hard to go out and volunteer in the community," says Strong. "When there is an opportunity to get involved to help the community here at work, I jump on it." Ben says, "I've been very fortunate in life, and I think it's important to give back."

Ben told about a personal family story where his brother-in-law, who worked hard to support his family, but the job didn't provide medical or dental insurance. He put taking care of his family first, and though he needed to have some dental work done, he didn't have the resources. The problem turned into a terrible infection and became life threatening. "It was through a partner agency and the United Way that he was able to get the care he needed," says Strong. "He had to have all of his teeth pulled, but the service was life-saving and he is doing well today,"

"I can relate when the United Way talks about giving a person a hand up - not just a hand out," said Strong. "Our family has been touched by the generosity of others, and that's why I raise my hand to help with the United Way employee giving campaign. I can tell others just how their donation will help those in need like it helped my family."

Ben declares himself a history nut who loves to read, write and travel. He and his wife, a local teacher, have four children and a granddaughter they are raising.

Carter and Strong both exemplify the Spirit and Heart of everyday guys who want to help their co-workers know the feeling of giving back and giving others a hand up. In addition to coordinating the United Way employee giving campaign, both help with the Children's Miracle Network program too.

GET CONNECTED!

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

* TAKE ACTION

(208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER