Led by their president and chief executive officer, more than 500 employees of Key Bank of Utah left their jobs Tuesday afternoon, changed their clothes and started to paint, do landscaping, make repairs and remove graffiti.
They joined 21,000 other Key-Corp employees across the country who used the time to help more than 1,500 organizations on "Neighbors Make a Difference Day.""I am so proud of the fine work our employees are doing today," said President Ross E. Kendell as he helped cover up some graffiti at 800 South and 300 East.
"Over the past few months, they have worked to identify the organizations and people who need our help. Today, the employees are attacking their work with energy and care. Their commitment to this program is a vivid reminder of the role each of us can play in our community and state to make a difference," said Kendell.
Bank officials said the employees donated 2,012 hours of work and spent $1,555 on materials.
Projects included tying quilts for young hospital patients, reading to toddlers, cleaning a park, painting and hanging curtains in a women's shelter, painting and cleaning at the YWCA, planting shrubs in Mill Creek Canyon, removing graffiti, painting an elderly woman's house and preparing and delivering food to the elderly.
The bank didn't shut down completely. Several branches remained open so customers could continue doing business.