Published: March 05, 2009 01:19 pm      

Man takes advantage of working at Wal-Mart

East Springfield resident raises $3,500 for community center

By MICHELLE MILLER
Staff Writer

SPRINGFIELD — An East Springfield resident has found a way to give back to his community through programs offered by his place of employment— Wal-Mart.

Ken Osterander has been a maintenance worker at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Sharon Springs for about 12 years. About three years ago, he began taking advantage of two programs Wal-Mart offers all of its associates— a $500 grant offer and the Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP) program.

Between the two offerings, Osterander has been able to raise $3,500 to go towards miscellaneous items for the Springfield Community Center.

Dan Rosen, Springfield town board member, said it is not very often a person is able to contribute as much money to a community in such a short time span as Osterander has. And Osterander is doing it in such a unique way— through volunteerism, said Rosen.

``It has been quite a steady thing,’’ said Rosen.

``We have been able to get things we wouldn’t normally go out and spend extra money on,’’ he added.

Osterander, who has lived in Springfield his entire life, said he has been volunteering at the Community Center for about three to four years doing odd and end jobs such as basic maintenance. He said the VAP program is a six month program that requires a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service to a non-profit organization. When an associate volunteers, Wal- Mart will make a $250 contribution to the organization on the associateÆs behalf. According to Osterander, an associate can partake in this program twice a year.

Wal-Mart donates more than $5 million a year to the organizations where associates donate their time, according to walmartstores.com. The website also says Wal-Mart associates have volunteered more than 7 million hours since the VAP began in 1995.

Osterander said he applies for the $500 grant, each year, but is not always awarded the money.

``Wal-Mart tries to make sure the grant money is equally distributed, which is understandable,’’ said Osterander.

``But it never hurts to try.’’

According to walmartstores. com, Wal-Mart supports more than 100,000 diverse charities large and small.

`` We support the efforts of organizations serving the neighborhoods where our stores are located as well as organizations serving people around the world. We encourage our associates to volunteer and become active members of their communities and local organizations,’’ said the site.

Wal-Mart is often criticized, specifically for its extensive foreign product sourcing, low rates of employee health insurance enrollment, and resistance to union representation. However, Osterander said being employed at Wal-Mart is not ``all bad.’’

``I enjoy it there,’’ he said.

``Particularly in this day and age I feel grateful to be working for a company that gives back.’’

Osterander said although there are a lot of negative comments said about Wal-Mart he wants people to know the corporation, which was founded in 1962, does do a lot of good for local communities.

``They do give away an awful lot of money,’’ he said.

Osterander said it feels good to be able to contribute to his community and to a facility that serves so many purposes. He said throughout the years, the $3,500 has been able to go towards purchasing items such as lobby benches, holiday decorations, mulch and plants to spruce up the appearance of the outside of the building, an air conditioning unit, banquet tables, flags and refurbishing of the outside welcoming sign.

``Everything I’ve done, with my volunteering and the qualifying funds brought into the town from which items have been bought for the Community Center, has been my way to give something to the community,’’ said Osterander.

``In no way was it my intention to be recognized for anything. I like this town and it’s not a bad thing to have some pride in your community.,’” added Osterander.