AIP Marketing Alliance, an Integrity Company, believes in giving back to the local community, and April presents multiple opportunities during National Volunteer Month. Multiple organizations also are participating in National Volunteer Week, which runs April 16-22.

This week-long celebration is about placing a spotlight on inspiring figures whose invaluable seeds of kindness through volunteering are bettering the community and our world in general. This significant celebration, which was established in 1974, provides the perfect opportunity to say thank you. It also challenges us to do better and look for ways to be active participants, joining hands to impact our local communities and calling for more support.

As part of Integrity Marketing Group, AIPMA employees are encouraged to get involved with their local communities as our company supports volunteer efforts by providing two days (16 hours) of service hours to use for qualified projects/events. Our team previously has helped through multiple events in the area.

AIPMA’s largest event involved building a giant playground on Detroit’s west side in coordination with one of our contracted insurance carriers, Foresters Financial. We’ve also paired with Foresters on multiple occasions to donate care kits to women’s shelters in Macomb and Oakland counties, and backpacks with school supplies to local elementary schools.

This year, AIPMA and Foresters Financial will combine efforts again in September to create care kits for HAVEN in Oakland County. HAVEN has helped domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their families escape abuse and create safer lives for over 40 years.

AIPMA Vice President of Marketing Darron Markwood feels volunteering has many physical and mental benefits as giving back to the community and helping others truly has impacted him in a very positive way. This year, Markwood has been named chairperson for the Men Wear Pink of Oakland County through the American Cancer Society and is featured as one of their volunteers for Michigan.

“I really appreciate working for a company that believes and supports our team’s efforts in helping charities, who really need our support even more right now,” Markwood said. “Even if it’s only a few hours a week or a donation, every little bit means a lot to these groups.”

If you are looking for ideas, he recommended contacting local food banks, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, local Kiwanis clubs, American Cancer Society, and other charitable organizations to see how you can make a difference locally.

“Everyone needs help – and I don’t know of an organization that will turn you down for volunteering time or donations,” Markwood said. “Personally, I’ve been looking for more opportunities as my family has enjoyed helping Gleaners and the American Cancer Society through our efforts.”

If you are a local organization looking for volunteer assistance in the Oakland County/Macomb County, please contact AIP Marketing Alliance at marketing@aipma.com. Our team wants to say a special “thank you” to all of the volunteers who donate their time and effort to help charities nationwide.