Leave Sharing Program: Serving Associates in Need

By Lisa Moak and Jun King

Social Media Analyst Lori Gillespy is one of many Exchange associates who have benefited from the organization’s leave donation program.

In 2004, Gillespy was severely injured while riding her motorcycle. A car driven by a texting 17-year-old girl struck Lori’s bike as she was turning at an intersection in Duncanville, Texas.

Gillespy suffered a broken pelvis, femur and tailbone, and she lacerated her right knee. She spent 12 days in ICU and four months recovering before she could return to work at the Exchange.

Because of the leave donation program, she was able to recover and not worry about loss of income when her leave dried up.

What is the leave donation program?

Under the Voluntary Leave Sharing Program, an eligible U.S. associate with a personal or family medical emergency may request to receive annual leave donations from other U.S. associates. Leave donations are solicited by the human resources office for approved associates by pay period.

Who uses the program?

Eligible associates who:

• Have a medical emergency or an immediate family member who has one
• Used all their annual and sick leave
• Have a medical emergency that will result in a prolonged absence from work or will result in continuous intermittent days off for treatment, such as chemo, dialysis or physical therapy.
• Have a medical emergency/extended absence that will result in a financial hardship.

How do associates donate leave?   

Local human resources offices will inform of associates approved for voluntary leave sharing program.

Eligible associates interested in donating annual leave to an associate will send information, including the total number of annual leave hours they want to donate that particular pay period to the local HR office.

In general, leave donations assist associates in their time of need to pay rent, utilities, medical bills, etc.