Dream Protectors

For me, it just feels natural to help with the American Family Insurance United Way campaign. I think it’s important to give back to the community I live and work in, and it always has been.

I come from Delano, a small community west of the Twin Cities. I help with our Fourth of July celebration, pick up trash on the side of the road, and help organize a toy drive with the local church to make sure kids have toys for Christmas. Delano is small enough I can see firsthand the good that comes from my volunteering.

All the time I give is worth it when I’m able to see children smiling from ear to ear because Santa brought them the toy they’ve been waiting for, or when I see the relief in the eyes of a parent whose son or daughter just received a college scholarship I was able to help fund. That’s why I give back whenever and wherever I can in my community.

The United Way of Delano, Minn., donated more than $40,000 last year to more than 27 local charities in and around the area. It helps the food pantry provide meals to hundreds of families who don’t have enough to eat in these tough economic times, and provides funds for local organizations.

Supporting the United Way means helping those who need a hand. The United Way campaigns are a big event at American Family for most locations. I’m proud to work for a company that devotes time, money and resources to help create a better life for everyone. To me this is living our mission to be the most trusted and valued service-driven insurance company.

If you have the opportunity to give back to your own community either through the United Way or some other way, I’d urge you to go for it.

Doing good just feels good, and who couldn’t use that?

I’ve given blood a few times in my life. Involuntarily, that is.

Like the time I got a bloody lip from a wild pitch during a Little League game, prompting me to consider pursuing other sports. Such as badminton.

Or, later in life, when I accidentally sliced myself on a water bottle while vacationing in Slovakia, leaving me with a timeless "souvenir": a crescent-shaped scar on my left thumb.

Ah, good times.

So, I’ve always been a tad squeamish around blood – especially blood drives. Until recently. All it took was a few facts and figures to change my mind.

For instance, one pint of blood can save up to three lives. Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood, spurring the need for 44,000 donations every day.

Given these facts, along with the critical demand for blood heightened by Hurricane Sandy this fall, I signed up for one of the many American Red Cross blood drives routinely held at American Family.

It turned out to be a pleasant experience. It didn’t hurt, and only took a little over an hour – a small price to pay for helping others whose lives may be at risk. I’m already planning to donate again in the future.

The next time a blood drive takes place in your community or at your workplace, consider rolling up your sleeve and giving. Or, arrange a time to donate when it might be more convenient for you – just contact the American Red Cross or America’s Blood Centers.

It’s not every day that you can say "I probably saved someone's life today."

Giving blood gives you that opportunity. 

I give a lot of time to various organizations and have a passion for volunteering.

Admittedly, when I became involved with local charitable organizations I did so for selfish reasons, like networking, resume building, and many other reasons that had more to do with me than others.

After a while, though, something changed.

Through volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center, I saw firsthand the powerful effect these organizations have on children and families. I could share hundreds of stories about families in dire need that have received life-changing assistance from these organizations. These stories would melt your heart, as they have mine.

Volunteerism is a passion that I am determined to pass on to my children by educating them about the importance of giving back and lending a hand to others.

I used to think: “What can one person do to make a difference?” I have learned even the smallest contribution of time or resources can make a meaningful difference.

Consider the impact you would have if you took time to volunteer at a local elementary school as a reading tutor, make a donation to the local food pantry, help raise money to support breast cancer research, coach a Little League team … the list goes on. The opportunities are plentiful, and the rewards of volunteering are even more.

We all can make a difference working together with organizations toward a common goal.

That is why it's so important American Family supports the United Way. Contributions from American Family employees help the United Way provide support for its partner agencies. In St. Joseph, Mo., the United Way supports agencies that can help a family displaced due to fire or natural disaster, a child who is sick with a family who can’t afford the required care, a family in need of affordable childcare or a battered wife who needs legal assistance. And that’s just naming a few.

There are so many volunteer opportunities out there. Start looking today! Big or small, just get involved.

Editor’s note: Learn more about American Family’s efforts to strengthen our communities in our Newsroom, including a look at programs in each of our 19 operating states. 

Many people can’t wait until retirement. They count the days until they can finally ignore their alarm clock and spend their waking hours pursuing personal passions.

It’s the rare individual who sees the traditional retirement years as an opportunity to stay employed, fulfilling their dreams on the job.

Arleen is one of these rare individuals. After 30-plus years of service to the American Family Claims Division, she only recently called it quits. She’s almost 82 years old!

As her supervisor these past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Arleen quite well and saw how work was an extension of her family.

Arleen loved the people with whom she shared her days.  She added richly to their lives, and was quick with a story about her adventures up north or a recap of the latest Packers game.

She never complained about anything.  In fact, a few years back she broke her leg and ankle in a fall.  After taking a few months off to heal, she was back on the job, picking up right where she left off. 

Arleen was also a quick study, never hesitating to learn new technology or take on increasing responsibility.

She’s a wonderful lesson to us all about the importance of staying busy at the things we enjoy, and making a positive impact on those around us.

We wish you a wonderful retirement, Arleen. You’ve earned it many times over.

Chances are you know a veteran. Maybe you even served in the military yourself.

We can thank them every day for their service, but today, it’s especially important. I know I’m going to thank my friends who’ve served, but especially my dad, who is 89 years old and defended our great country as a Navy pilot in World War II.

This time of year, we all tend to show our appreciation – not only for those who've spent time in uniform – but for the many other important folks who protect us, care for us and, in general, make life better for our families and communities.

American Family is making it easier to show our gratitude. Every day through Dec. 10, as part of our 30 Days of Thanks, our Facebook page will highlight one of the everyday heroes we too often take for granted.

You’ll find interesting information about these important people, so you can thank them personally ... with a simple "like," by posting comments or by sharing our stories with your own friends and family on Facebook.

Imagine what our dreams would look like if we didn't have support from the important people in our lives – like parents, teachers, coaches – you name it?

Let's take time to thank them.

Editor's note: Starting Nov. 11, join American Family Insurance as we devote 30 Days of Thanks to the everyday heroes in our lives. Who would be on your 30 Days of Thanks list? Visit our Facebook page today and all throughout our 30 Days of Thanks to share your gratitude.