By day, Kip Thompson is a Regional Marketing Manager at Veritiv, but by night, he’s a mentor to students through Junior Achievement and runner with the Kyle Pease Foundation. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his positivity empowers those around him to do more and give more.

We recently caught up with Kip to talk about his service and where you can try to catch him next (if you can).

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

Atlanta is a town that sets the bar high. We have 7 Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, a new artist topping the charts every week, and hundreds of social media celebrities. It is very easy to have high goal as a kid, but there is lack of influence to help kids get there. There is a large pressure to succeed, and be greater than the previous generation, which is what makes our city amazing, but there is a large gap to help mentor the younger generation how to get there.

What do you love most about the organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

I volunteer with the Kyle Pease Foundation, The Lovett School wrestling program, Junior Achievement, and Passion City Church. I love volunteering with the Kyle Pease Foundation because a talent I have can be used for another persons joy. There are very few places in life I have seen the ability for that to happen. The more I train, the more joy a wheelchair athlete receives.

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

Absolutely. I’ll be running with the The Kyle Pease Foundation at one of their upcoming races.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your volunteering efforts?

Covid limited our ability to race and compete. Not all our wheel chair athletes have their own racing chairs, so even having the chance to go on a run was rare.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

This! One athlete teaching the next generation a lesson about what actually defines you as a person.

What else should our community know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

Refusing to grow up has been very beneficial for my volunteer career! My middle school humor relates extremely well with middle & high schoolers!

Inspired by Kip’s story?

Help us engage and highlight incredible efforts like his, by making a donation to Hands On Atlanta. It takes hard work AND financial support to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs. When you let our hands be yours, every $1 invested turns into $6 of economic impact! Donate now and help ensure a more civically engaged and equitable Atlanta.