DENVER (KDVR-TV) — The team at FOX31 and Channel 2 took time away from the stations Thursday to give back to the community. It’s was all to mark a special day for our parent company, Nexstar, as employees across the country volunteered on “Founder’s Day of Caring.”
It was record breaking heat in Denver at Maxwell Elementary school. But that did not stop them. Volunteers from FOX31 and Channel 2 News, all employees of Nexstar Media Group, were digging, shoveling, sweating, and working with Denver Urban Gardens on the school garden. Installing pathways, building new garden beds, and getting it ready for the fall semester for kids to come back.
Our team members, along with Nexstar employees at 199 stations across the country, are given a paid half-day to volunteer.
Volunteering is nothing new to Nexstar Media Group. Every Founder’s Day for Nexstar, employees across the country roll up their sleeves to help out. This includes Channel 2 News 7 p.m. producer Morgan Pawl, who is no stranger to volunteering.
“It’s really nice to spend a couple hours giving back, doing the hard work, and you have that sense of accomplishment in the end when you know that what you’re doing is actually going to help,” said Pawl.
Nexstar is the largest local television company in the United States, and in 2016 the company’s Founder, Chairman and CEO, Perry Sook, established the company’s “Founder’s Day of Caring.”
This day gives employees the opportunity to make a personal commitment to make the community a better place for everyone. Every day, the stations deliver high-quality journalism and local programming, and a commitment to working with our advertising and marketing partners. “Founder’s Day of Caring” allows Nexstar’s broadcasting and digital media businesses to be woven into the fabric of the local community through public service and helping others.
“It’s rewarding. Just proud to be representing Channel 2 and FOX31 here making a difference, right, for the next generation,” reporter Greg Nieto said.
“This is a cool opportunity to put in some sweat equity, help the community and the kids, we have to do it for the kids,” said anchor Deborah Takahara.
“I think it’s important to get out and give back. These kids this fall will be able to use this garden to learn about science, a little elbow grease to help the kids,” said Daybreak anchor Chris Parente.
If you want to support Denver Urban Gardens, find details on donating and volunteering on its website.