Weeklong Community Service Initiative from Capital One Financial Corporation

Capital One Financial Corporation organized its third annual national community service initiative. The weeklong program reaffirms the company's tradition of encouraging employee volunteerism and serving the community. Capital One associates join hands with hundreds of nonprofits during this program. This year's program included participation in more than 900 projects designed to help address the socio-economic needs of the communities where they live and work.

The achieve maximum impact, Capital One allocates human resources and strategically pursues projects with such nonprofit organizations with which it has ongoing partnerships in areas such as education, affordable housing, financial literacy and economic development.

As a part of the program, the company is expanding the scope of its existing partnership with The Heart of America Foundation. This foundation is a national nonprofit that provides needy children with tools of literacy and encourage education and literacy across the country. Over the last 10 years, Capital One and the Heart of America Foundation have together donated 1,164,312 books valued at $9.6 million to 481,209 students.

Carolyn Berkowitz, President, Capital One Foundation and Managing Vice President, Community Affairs, Capital One Financial Corporation, said: "At Capital One, community engagement and investment have always been about much more than simply writing a check. While our associates are active volunteers all year long, One Week is a special time for us to serve together and use our collective talents to address the most pressing community needs.  Our efforts as individuals and as a company are amplified by the expertise and insights of our local non-profit partners. What we're able to accomplish in this single week is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all achieve together."

The weeklong volunteer activities also include five READesign Library Makeover projects of the Heart of America Foundation, led by volunteers from Capital One. The projects involve distribution of thousands of books to children in need, and the launch of an online campaign encouraging people participation in the book donation program.

Photo Credit: michelini