For our National Volunteer Week series, today we’re highlighting Jon Le. Jon is an outstanding and dedicated UWATX volunteer who’s been involved with UWATX for the last six months and has given his time to prep holiday meal kits for low-income families, clean-up the neighborhood during MLK Day of Service, participated in our Family Volunteer Day series and more! Hear from Jon about why he is involved with UWATX as a volunteer.
“I enjoy the idea of a company that not only has the business sense to be able to thrive in the competitive market, but also helps promote the growth of the surrounding communities.”
–Jon Le, eBay
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long have you been involved with United Way.
I have been working for eBay for about three years. I was born and raised in Texas, originally Houston. I have been involved with United Way for about six months or so, mostly volunteering work through the campaigns they already have in place.
What are some of your favorite volunteer projects you’ve worked on and why?
I mostly enjoy volunteering on youth projects. I think this is in part to be able to give the youth of today as best of an opportunity as they can afford, but also, since the birth of my first child, I’ve taken a closer look at the impact I have on others and on the future.
Do you feel that working for a company that gives back is important and why?
eBay does a great deal with charitable donations and community outreach. There are eBay grants that are sent out every year, and volunteerism and donation drives are other things that eBay does to help out the local community. I think this is very important. I enjoy the idea of a company that not only has the business sense to be able to thrive in the competitive market, but also helps promote the growth of the surrounding communities. I enjoy working for a company that enhances the lives of the people in that community by nurturing a cooperative growth.
Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer for two main reasons. It helps people, and it helps me.
Helping people is great, but the personal satisfaction I gain from it is incomparable. It is really the best example of a win/win situation. I was first introduced to volunteering through eBay. There are many opportunities that are presented for volunteering that eBay promotes to their employees. Their holistic approach to a company encourages not only professional growth but also personal growth. I believe it’s a great way to better your impact on your community. It lets you feel good as a person, beyond your own personal gain, it allows you to feel good as a human being. To anyone thinking about volunteering, I would say definitely do it. Take some time and do something that you can look back and be proud of!