Some psychologists have called such a sensation a “Helpers High.”

It’s that release of serotonin and dopamine, and that rush of positive emotions that comes with selfless service to others. Shelby Estes (an unabashed dog lover) and others from the Datamax DFW office had toured the Keller Animal Shelter for only a few minutes when one pup struck her eye. He was missing a limb and she soon learned had been previously abused. Datamax had just made a generous donation to the shelter.

“It sort of hit me, that now this dog is getting the food and resources he needs to be taken care of. Thanks to the work of this shelter, he’s going to find a family. Seeing that impact, and the small role we were able to play in it, it was an overwhelming feeling,” Shelby said.

It wasn’t the first such occurrence for Shelby, nor does she anticipate it being the last. Helping others in a professional setting is in her DNA. In a previous role, Shelby worked as an Exercise Physiologist helping cardiac patients outline a prescription for exercise to get their health back on track.

Which is part of the reason she was asked to take a leading role in the DatamaxCares initiative. It’s in our culture to create “Raving Friends” within the communities we serve. It’s a commitment that is equal to anything else we do as employees and as an organization.

“I love that about Datamax, that we’re given the opportunity to not only help businesses but communities as well,” Shelby said. “No matter who you are or what line of business you are in, someone around you is struggling. Anything we can do as a person and as a company to help can have an awesome impact.”

What’s Going On with DatamaxCares?

If you haven’t seen the emails, we’re getting ready to kick off our annual Fantasy Football Challenge in each location, serving as one of the largest fundraisers of the year for DatamaxCares initiatives. 
In addition to volunteering their time and contributions to the Keller Animal Shelter, Dallas/Fort Worth hosted a Peanut Butter Food Drive for the North Texas Area Food Bank. The campaign will be ramping up again soon, and Shelby has high expectations for this year’s efforts – hoping to eclipse $2,000 in donations and the 85 pounds of peanut butter that was donated in-house last fall.

In East Texas, the group continues to partner with the East Texas Food Bank through its Multiply Meals Plan, which makes a $50 donation for every qualifying copier transaction. To date, East Texas has helped provide more than 130,000 meals to hungry East Texans.

In Arkansas, the offices continue to support the Children’s Protection Center through the annual River Cities Dragon Boat Festival. They volunteer routinely with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas, the Jillian Fund, the Hot Springs Literacy Council, Centers for Youth and Families, and many more.

What are a Few Benefits of YOU getting involved?

• Personal Fulfillment: Contributing to the community can give employees a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting their morale and job satisfaction.
• Skill Development: Volunteer opportunities often allow employees to develop new skills or apply their existing skills in different contexts, enhancing their professional growth.
• Networking Opportunities: Engaging in community service can help employees build new relationships and expand their professional networks, which can be valuable for their careers.
• Enhanced Work-Life Balance: Participating in community service can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
• Increased Engagement and Loyalty: Employees who see their company involved in meaningful community work are likely to feel more connected to the organization, increasing their loyalty and engagement.

How can you get involved?

Contact your manager or Shelby directly if you have ideas, or just have a heart to get involved.

“When we get involved with the communities we serve, it speaks volumes to the fact that we’re not just looking at numbers. We’re giving back to great organizations,” Shelby said.