Volunteer Voices: Meet John Klekner

It takes more than sunshine and water to grow a thriving urban farm—it takes people who care. During National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 20–26, 2025), we’re especially grateful for the incredible individuals who donate their time to support our mission: to connect and nourish our community through regenerative agriculture. One of those people is John Klekner. He is a dedicated volunteer and champion of sustainability whose passion for giving back extends from the garden to the workplace. We chatted with John to learn more about what drives his commitment and how his employer, Cisco, supports his efforts to make a difference.

1. What motivates you to volunteer at Raleigh City Farm?

Volunteering at Raleigh City Farm is an opportunity to give back to the local community while promoting sustainability and urban agriculture. It’s inspiring to be part of an initiative that transforms vacant spaces into productive farmland, supports local food systems, and educates people on the importance of sustainable farming. The hands-on experience of working with the soil, contributing to a greener environment, and seeing the direct impact on the community is incredibly rewarding.

2. How does Cisco encourage employee volunteering?

Cisco fosters a strong culture of giving back by providing employees with multiple opportunities to volunteer. The company offers Time2Give, a program that grants employees up to 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year to support causes they care about. Cisco also organizes company-wide volunteer events, partners with nonprofit organizations, and encourages participation in local community service projects. Additionally, Cisco’s matching donation program amplifies employees’ contributions by matching their charitable donations, further motivating employees to engage in philanthropy.

3. Describe the Benevity platform and how employees can use it to donate and get an employer match.

Benevity is a corporate giving and volunteering platform that helps employees donate to nonprofit organizations and track their volunteer hours. Cisco employees can use Benevity to make charitable donations, which Cisco often matches dollar-for-dollar up to a specified limit, effectively doubling the impact of their contribution. The platform also enables employees to log their volunteer hours, allowing them to qualify for additional company grants to their chosen organizations. Benevity makes it easy for employees to find causes they’re passionate about and maximize their impact through Cisco’s corporate giving programs.