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OHR Staff Put New VTO Policy Into Action on Third Annual Day of Caring

For the Office of Human Resources' third annual Day of Caring on June 23, a team of 19 staff members volunteered at five regional nonprofits, contributing to efforts ranging from environmental conservation to food security.

This year marked the first OHR Day of Caring since Carnegie Mellon implemented its volunteer time off (VTO) policy.

"It's a valuable new benefit for our staff and a meaningful way to deepen our community engagement by supporting local organizations," said Kelli Shuman, associate vice president and chief human resources officer.

Here is how Tartans made a difference across the region:

• : At the Point Breeze location, the OHR team packaged diapers and menstrual hygiene products, readying critical resources for local families.
• : In Millvale, volunteers assisted with essential kitchen preparation — chopping, cooking and packaging meals — and bagged groceries to fight food insecurity.
• : A team arrived early at the Duquesne facility to perform high-volume kitchen prep and bag groceries.
• : Volunteers lent their hands to prepare and serve meals, organize the pantry, manage the clothing room and assist with daily laundry services.
• : Staff tackled outdoor maintenance, handling weeding and neighborhood upkeep to keep green spaces beautiful.

To cap the experience, many of the volunteers celebrated on July 9 for lunch at in Downtown Pittsburgh. Café Momentum is a nonprofit restaurant and culinary training facility for youth who have been involved in the justice system. The organization provides young people ages 15 to 19 with a 12-month paid internship to learn restaurant, culinary and life skills.