Building by Giving Back: A look at Kraus-Anderson’s Volunteering in the Community

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]by Brenden Nickels, senior office assistant

At Kraus-Anderson, our mission statement ‘Together, Strengthening the Communities We Serve’ encapsulates our commitment to community values. Through initiatives like our annual Fall Giving Campaign and the KA Has Heart volunteer program, we aspire to uplift the amazing work of nonprofits where Kraus-Anderson family of companies reside and work.

2023 Fall Giving Campaign

For 25 years, Kraus-Anderson’s Fall Giving Campaign has been a cornerstone of our community support. Every October, our passionate staff participate in special fundraising events, fostering a connection while supporting local United Ways, Creating Healthier Communities and their affiliated partners. Throughout the month we host various events across all our regional offices that employees can participate in. Some of these events include a puppy party, Halloween costume contest, silent auction, among others.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#cc0202″ class=”” size=”18″]“Our teams not only donated to nonprofits they care about, but they also connected with one another through fun events. The big hit in Minneapolis this year was a puppy party.” – Megan Hannon, Corporate and Community Engagement Coordinator[/perfectpullquote][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31442″ img_size=”Full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In 2023, Kraus-Anderson’s Fall Giving Campaign has donated over $75,000 across 42 causes, marking an increase from the previous years. Over the campaign’s history, Kraus-Anderson has donated $1.92 million to community nonprofits where we live and work in.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#cc0202″ class=”” size=”18″]“Lloyd, my grandfather, always felt the importance of giving back to the community that gave him so much. Growing up during some very trying times, he knew firsthand how far a little bit of generosity could go. And his spirit of giving is a key part of KA’s culture even now.” Jamie Engelsma, Vice President, Financial Services Group“[/perfectpullquote][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”31448″ img_size=”Full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]KA Has Heart

KA’s commitment to community continues throughout the year with our employee volunteer efforts with the KA Has Heart program. In 2023, 142 employees in the Minneapolis office have given a total of 471 hours in volunteer time, valued at $7,480 based on a value system by Independent Sector Report. Volunteer opportunities for Twin Cities employees included Hearts and Hammers, a long-time company tradition in which our team helps revitalize homes of veterans and their families; working the Little Farm Hands area at the Minnesota State Fair; packing backpacks with school supplies at Kids in Need; organizing donated toys with Toys for Tots and joining forces with the Girl Scouts to educate future women in construction. “The KA Has Heart Program aims for connection whether with greater community or within our teams. A top highlight staff share in their feedback that these personal interactions are the most rewarding aspects of their experience,” says Hannon.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”31446,31460,31447,31449,31451,31454,31455,31456″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”#cc0202″ class=”” size=”18″]“Giving back time, and monetary donations, is a huge part of the culture at KA. In Rochester we use a lot volunteer time as team bonding events and not only do we have a lot of fun doing it we see really good turn out at KA Has Heart and other local events,” says Emily Taylor, KA Rochester [/perfectpullquote]

Our Why

As Kraus-Anderson’s new Corporate and Community Engagement Coordinator, Hannon’s supports KA’s nonprofit partnerships and facilitates opportunities for our employees to give back.“While I am still working to reimagine and build out our programs, I believe in the importance of communicating the tangible impact of our efforts with our teams, whether through a single donation that provides immediate help or the transformative impacts of volunteering time to program that supports a neighbor’s basic needs, together. From assembling kits for nearby shelters to packing potatoes, these activities often become catalysts for essential conversations about critical issues such as mental health, homelessness, and diverse life experiences, encouraging engagement among our employees.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_images_carousel images=”31453,31457,31458,31450,31461″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Building community is a fundamental part of our company values, both on and off the jobsite. We are proud of our longstanding philanthropic traditions and look forward to continued program growth in the future.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to enhance our current employee engagement initiatives and strengthen our partnerships with nonprofits in the upcoming year,” added Hannon. “I hope tocreate an environment where our employees can deepen their connections within the community and actively participate cultivating change in their communities.”

For more details on Kraus-Anderson’s community involvements, visit:

Community Involvement.

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