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Medford company helps employees give all year long Susan Harter helps Phoebe Shanks, 8, cut paper during a gift-wrapping event Tuesday at Lifeline Computer Solutions in Medford. Mail Tribune / Denise Baratta Thursday Dec 22, 2016 at 6:28 PM Dec 22, 2016 at 10:42 PM By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune A Medford small business tries to embody the spirit of giving year round. Lifeline Computer Solutions, which helps businesses from Silicon Valley to Seattle use technology to their best advantage, encourages employees to pay it forward, whether it's partnering with a local restaurant to help feed the homeless or performing random acts of kindness in the community on the business' dime. CEO Micah Shanks and Chief Operating Officer Shane Wittmers say they encourage their staff to participate in community service endeavors not only during the holidays, but throughout the year. They give employees the opportunity to be as abundantly generous as possible. “We empower our staff to do what they need for their clients,” says Wittmers. Employees find ways to connect with people, even during routine work calls. Staff members have sent housewarming gifts to clients if they mention purchasing a new house, for example. “It’s about doing the right thing and the small ways we can give back,” Wittmers says. Helping the community was an idea Shanks and Wittmers have had since the company’s inception in 2004. As their staff has grown, so has their ability to reach more people. This year Lifeline has adopted two families to help during the Christmas season: a family of four and a single widow. Families are found by reaching out to local churches and by word of mouth. Wittmers says he and Shanks try to match up employees with the family members. “This year we have enough staff to provide multiple gifts for every family member,” says Wittmers. The company provides a larger gift depending on the specific needs of the family, such as groceries or a a month of utility bills. Employees are involved with the families as much as possible. Lifeline values setting aside company time for the staff to serve people in the community, Wittmers and Shanks say. Last month, Lifeline participated in KDP Certified Public Accountants' No Shave November campaign. Funds raised through the campaign supported the Compassion Fund, which helps local cancer patients with extra costs such as medications, gas money to travel to treatment sessions and more. “Lifeline engaged people at all levels,” says Andrea Reeder, director at the Asante Foundation, who worked with Lifeline for the first time during No Shave November. “Lifeline supports and is active in the community." Lifeline raised nearly $1,500 during No Shave November. “I think they’re the type of organization we’ll see participate in the future,” Reeder says. November was a busy month for Lifeline, as Shanks served on the procurement committee for the 2016 Gingerbread Jubilee. “Micah and Lifeline are committed to improving the lives of everyone in Southern Oregon,” says Holly Roberts, executive assistant at Rogue Disposal, board member of the Craterian Theater and procurement chair for the Gingerbread Jubilee. Roberts says Shanks and the company gave 100 percent, obtaining items such as Civil War tickets and guided fishing trips for the live and silent auctions. “They were all in,” she says. Wittmers says the staff is receptive to community service efforts and always excited to participate. “It’s fun for people,” Wittmers says. “We do this because we can and should. A little goes a long way.” Reach Medford freelance writer Rebecca Scott at [email protected].