Almaden researcher named United Way Star of the Day

IBM Research Distinguished Engineer and Senior Manager, Advanced Storage Subsystems, KK Rao was recently named "United Way Star of the Day" for his volunteer work with the Earn it! Keep it! Save it! program. The Star of the Day program recognizes the Silicon Valley's most dedicated volunteers.



North San Jose IBM Site Executive and Director, STG Services, Ed Ng, also earned the honor in April. Ed serves on United Way's Board as its Secretary and is an active member of its Campaign Cabinet.

Last year, the Earn it! Keep it! Save it! program also afforded IBM the United Way Corporate Volunteer Award for its efforts to promote a culture of volunteerism to its employees.

IBM is a major supporter of United Way Silicon Valley's "Earn it! Keep it! Save it!" program, which connects workers with low-incomes to free tax preparation services. The program helps these workers secure tax credits that significantly boost their incomes. This year, IBM made a $113,000 in-kind donation of PCs and laptops to support the more than 25 tax preparation locations.

Many IBM employees spend nearly three months volunteering for the program, helping local people with their tax returns. Preliminary results from the IRS show that $5.7 million was refunded to local families and individuals, thanks to services provided at these free tax preparation sites.

IBM's corporate responsibility strategy combines busniess and societal value for IBM and its key stakeholders: clients, shareholders, employees, and communities. The company has been a longtime supporter of United Way Silicon Valley.