Maner Costerisan kicks off season of giving with volunteer work at nine Lansing-area nonprofits

With the holiday season approaching, Maner Costerisan team members got an early start on the season of giving, trading their regular workday for a day of community service Thursday, Nov. 5, to help nonprofits address needs ranging from hunger and homelessness to animal welfare and grief support.

As part of the Lansing-based accounting and business consulting firm's ninth annual Maner Cares Day of Impact, approximately 180 team members volunteered to support 15 nonprofit organizations in the Lansing and Grand Rapids areas, with additional projects in communities across the country.

At the Capital Area Humane Society, Maner Costerisan volunteers prepared Secret Santa stockings for the organization's December fundraiser and spent time with shelter animals.

“We are extremely grateful for Maner Costerisan and the many volunteers and service groups who give their time to support our shelter,” said Penny Myers, director of community relations at Capital Area Humane Society. “Whether they’re providing loving care for our animals, helping with projects, doing laundry or taking on tasks our staff simply don’t have time for, their support is invaluable. We truly couldn’t function without the generosity of community partners like Maner Costerisan.”

Other Lansing-area projects included sorting food donations at the Greater Lansing Food Bank, assembling hygiene and first aid kits for Punks with Lunch Lansing, preparing the grounds at Ele's Place for winter and helping Haven House with fall cleanup.

“Maner Cares Day of Impact reflects our belief that being part of a community means contributing to its success, not just doing business there,” said Sarah Jennings, CPA, principal at Maner Costerisan. “Almost a quarter of our clients are nonprofits and we see firsthand the difference these organizations make in people's lives. Giving our team members time to serve is one way we can make a meaningful difference while strengthening the connections among our people and the communities where we live, work, and play.”

Additional Lansing-area nonprofits supported included the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, Habitat for Humanity Capital Region ReStore, Origami Rehabilitation and Lansing Makers Network.

The Day of Impact also extended to Grand Rapids, where team members helped prepare meals for homebound seniors, supported housing projects, planted trees and assisted local animal shelters and parks. Other team members volunteered in Traverse City and communities in several other states.

Since launching Maner Cares Day of Impact in 2018, more than 760 volunteer participations have contributed over 3,000 hours of service to more than 70 nonprofit organizations.