Microsoft Silicon Valley gets interviewed by KCBS at United Way’s 2012 Day of Action

Last month, over 200 Silicon Valley residents got together to volunteer at the AJ Dorsa Elementary School in East San Jose. The occasion was United Way’s Day of Action, a nationwide citizenship event where local residents and corporations get their hands dirty as part of an effort to better their surrounding communities. The small school was bustling with volunteers painting, cleaning, and redecorating everywhere from the playground to the computer lab to the cafeteria.

Sporting white Microsoft t-shirts, our Silicon Valley team was at the event and spent the day hard at work under the bright California sun, and even posed for a few pictures.

Our very own Dan Costello (pictured above) was part of the action and was approached by KCBS to say a few words about the event. Here’s a partial transcript of the radio interview below:

KCBS : So, why is Microsoft, -why are you, personally- helping out in this campus-beautification project today?

DC : It’s a wonderful opportunity to work in a community that really needs the help and Microsoft is committed to bringing our employees to a great event and helping to serve with other great organizations to better a community in need.

KCBS : Why is it important for companies like Microsoft to give back, to go to a small little school in East San Jose near Story and King, probably one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city, and try to improve education?

DC : Well, we understand that these are the students that could very well be future employees in our industry, whether it be for ourselves, Microsoft, or other companies and we’re committed to making sure they have a safe and healthy environment. One that is engaging to lead them in a long-term path to education.

KCBS : Do you feel from employees that there is more of an interest now in going the extra mile and helping out in projects like this?

DC : Absolutely. The heart of Silicon Valley has a large community outreach and we’re looking to focus that energy on the Microsoft campus and connect with our community partners and do great work that needs to be done.

Dan Costello finished his short interview with KCBS thanking United Way for the awesome opportunity to be a part of the event and encouraged everyone to participate and give back as much as they can. Great job Silicon Valley team!