Volunteer Spotlight: Paul E. Kazmierczak, Dedicated Member of United Way
Shared with permission from The Villager. Find the original article in Volume 20, Issue 5.
By Jeff Martin, The Villager
Paul E. Kazmierczak, a dedicated member of the [United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties] Board and Allocations Committee, brings years of experience and a passion for community service to his role.
In a recent interview, Kazmierczak shared insights into his volunteer work, the challenges and rewards of serving on the board, and his vision for the future of the organization.
Kazmierczak’s commitment to community improvement led him to join the [UWCAC] Board. For the past six years, he has been actively involved in refining the allocations process to ensure that local donations are handled with the utmost professionalism.
“Individual [UWCAC] donors should know their precious local donations are handled very professionally,” he said. He also highlighted the successful merger between the Cattaraugus and Allegany County United Ways as a win-win scenario for both communities.
For Kazmierczak, the most fulfilling aspect of his service has been witnessing the positive impact of United Way initiatives. Programs like the Warming House and Bonna Budd[ies], run by St. Bonaventure University students, and the invaluable services provided by Genesis House, exemplify the organization’s reach. His pride extends to National Grid employees who volunteer through the company’s Project C program, further strengthening community ties.
Kazmierczak credits National Grid’s support of his volunteer efforts for enabling him to balance his professional and community commitments. “Given this support, it only motivates me for more off-hour community volunteerism,” he explained.
Unsurprisingly, the primary challenge Kazmierczak identifies is securing enough donor funds to meet the community’s needs. Despite this, he emphasized the thorough and regimented allocation process, which includes analytical scoring, agency interviews, and passionate input from board members. Ongoing monitoring by the United Way staff ensures that funds are used effectively.
Kazmierczak’s role at National Grid provides him with a unique perspective on community needs. “I see first-hand how business retention, policies, and growth affect all facets of society,” he noted, emphasizing how these insights inform his work with the United Way.
Kazmierczak encourages others to get involved, no matter the capacity. “It’s so rewarding at all levels. Many hands produce great results,” he said, underscoring the importance of collective effort, whether at the board level or through hands-on activities.
Looking ahead, Kazmierczak hopes that donors will feel inspired by seeing the tangible impact of their contributions. He also believes the successful merger of the CattCo and Allegany United Ways could serve as a model for other agencies, potentially expanding support to even more communities.
Kazmierczak’s dedication to the Cattaraugus County United Way exemplifies the power of committed volunteerism. Through his efforts, the organization continues to thrive, ensuring that vital programs and services reach those who need them most. As he reflects on his experiences, his message is clear: community involvement is a rewarding and impactful way to make a difference.
