Small Acts, Big Impacts: City Employees Serve the Community On and Off the Clock

A “Giving Spirit” is one of the reasons St. Charles was named #1 City for Families by Family Circle magazine. Proud examples of the many ways people give back can be found throughout our community.

Among the groups that donate their time, talent, and resources are City of St. Charles employees. Both individually and collectively, the 303 employees of the City make a tremendous impact within St. Charles’ borders and beyond. Last year, City employees donated more than $11,000 in contributions and gifts and worked countless volunteer hours to support more than 50 local and national non-profit organizations.

“We hear about City employees who go above and beyond in their jobs every day,” said Kathy Livernois, Director of Human Resources at the City. “But the success of the City-organized charity initiatives year after year shows how City staff members serve the community on a personal level too.  These employees reflect compassion, unselfish caring, and generosity in their giving of time and contributions.”

Throughout the year, the City conducts several philanthropic programs including:

• Giving Friday

Employees make charitable donations of $6 or more to dress casually at work two Fridays each month. Proceeds from each "Giving Friday" benefit a named charity.

• Combined Charities

Employees donate to various charities through payroll deductions.

• The Giving Tree

Holiday gifts are donated for families in need.

• Neighbors in Need

Contributions help St. Charles residents in need pay their utility bills.

• Christmas in July

Needed items are donated to local animal rescue organizations.

• Fire Department

Organizes and participates in Fill the Boot, Seniors Holiday Dinner, and the Holiday Toy Drive.

• Police Department

Organizes and participates in Cop on Top, Tip a Cop, Polar Plunge, and the Annual Golf Outing to Support Special Olympics Illinois.

• Blood Drives, Bake Sales, Food Bank Collections

Some of the local organizations and events that are impacted by the contributions or volunteerism of City employees:

• Bob Leonard Riverwalk 5K Run/Walk
• CASA Kane County
• Community Contacts, Inc.
• Community Crisis Center
• Fox Valley Hospice
• Holiday Homecoming Electric Parade
• Kane County Juvenile Drug Court
• Kiwanis
• Lazarus House
• Area Lions Clubs
• Moose Charities
• Mutual Ground
• Northern Illinois Food Bank
• Riverfest
• Rotary Club of St. Charles
• Rover Rescue
• Scarecrow Fest
• Special Olympics of Illinois
• St. Patrick’s Parade
• Tri-City Family Services

Many individuals and organizations work together to make St. Charles so special. As public servants, St. Charles employees help define how our community looks and feels—its safety, security, comfort, convenience, and vitality. As members of the greater St. Charles community, they demonstrate a commitment to consistently help where there is a need.