At the entryways of department stores and other retailers, the charitable groups are out. They are braving the dropping temperatures to ring bells and watch buckets fill with change and the occasional folded bill.

Most people consider the holiday season the time to give, but it’s that way around our office regardless of the season. And it’s a good kind of giving that comes through no obligation or pressure – with no incentive except the way it makes you feel. Our staff has a sincerity behind their giving, which makes us different from other corporations.

There isn’t any pressure from a manager or supervisor of any sort to make donations to the numerous charities the company supports. In fact, all of PlattForm’s philanthropic efforts were sprouted by an employee initiative to get involved and help people locally who are in need.

PlattForm has supported 10 charities in the past year by donating the time and talents of our employees to their causes. During 2006, PlattForm gave to the following charities:

• Alliance for Lupus Research
• American Red Cross
• Boys Hope House
• Della Lamb
• Hope House Lodge
• Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey
• Mattie Rhodes Center
• Ronald McDonald House
• Salvation Army
• SAVE Inc.

That list includes a variety of different causes just as diverse as the more than 350 employees we have on our team. And judging by the results of our annual gift buying for needy families in our community, nearly all of those employees find a way to buy a toy or something for these families to eat. Think about it – 350 people who truly care about the world affiliated with one organization, more or less in one place. We are making a difference because it matters to us, and that in itself is something to be proud of.