Community Volunteering

At America’s Phone Guys, we believe in giving back to our community. Our team regularly volunteers their time, skills, and creativity to make a difference—whether through simple acts of kindness or tackling larger challenges. From local projects to global issues, we’re committed to creating a positive impact in the Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR, areas where we live and work.

As proud members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), we actively help shape policies that affect small businesses. Lois, the Chair of the Leadership Council for Washington State, plays a significant role in this. She also serves on the WA State Department of Revenue’s Business Advisory Council and, in 2020, was appointed by Washington’s Governor to the Health Care Cost Transparency Board to represent small business interests.

At America’s Phone Guys, we don’t just talk about community—we believe in it. It’s at the heart of everything we do, shaping our daily decisions and actions.

Small Business and Government Over-Regulation

America’s Phone Guys had a unique experience highlighting the complexity of government regulations for small businesses. During an employment law challenge, both Oregon and Washington claimed one of their team members fell under their jurisdiction. This employee lived in Oregon and worked mostly there, but Washington State insisted that because dispatching and hiring were in Vancouver, they were a Washington-based employee. Neither state would back down, leaving them stuck in the middle, juggling conflicting regulations from both sides.

When Lois sought clarity, the only way to get a definitive answer was to go to court—something no small business wants to do, especially given the costs involved. In search of support, she contacted the legal office of the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business). Their help led to something bigger—Lois became involved in the rule-making process with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for Initiative 1433. Thanks to this, the final rules include our example as an exception, clarifying that employees in such situations are considered Oregon-based.

This experience underscores small businesses’ challenges with government over-regulation and the importance of advocacy and clear, common-sense rules.

Children’s Cancer Association

In February 2008, a friend of Lois’ was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite language barriers, Lois and her friend always understood each other. Lois attended her friend’s doctor appointments, ensuring everything was clear. Sadly, her friend passed away in July 2008, but during that time, Lois felt as though she was preparing for something.

A year later, in May 2009, Lois’s husband, Caleb, was diagnosed with stage 4 base-of-tongue cancer. With her prior experience, Lois was by his side at every appointment, offering calm support. The couple often discussed how unimaginable cancer must be for a child. After Caleb recovered, they talked about Lois volunteering for the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA), but it wasn’t until three years later that Lois could prioritize volunteering.

In December 2012, Lois became a Chemo Pal Mentor, matched with a 3½-year-old boy at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. They bonded over Legos, cars, and videos. Lois even helped distract him during procedures; one day, he stopped fussing altogether. Her goal was to bring joy, knowing that happiness can play a role in healing. Her first Pal graduated in September 2013 and continues to do well.

Lois’s second match, in April 2014, was a fearless 4-year-old boy at Randall Children’s Hospital. He loved their visits, eagerly checking her “bag of tricks” each time. Together, they played with rocket balloons and built memories. This Pal graduated in December 2015, and Lois continued attending his follow-up appointments for several years. He’s also doing well and graduated 8th grade in 2024!

In May 2016, Lois matched with her third Pal, another 3-year-old boy who lovingly called her “Louie” and declared her his best friend. His parents noted that once Lois joined his appointments, he stopped crying and trying to avoid treatments—the two filled time with puzzles, Legos, and Play-Doh cakes. Lois remained by his side through three years of treatments and afterward. Although he has moved across the country, they are still in contact, and he is doing well.

Through her experience, Lois has realized that being a Chemo Pal is more than supporting patients during treatments—it’s about bringing light to tough times and creating joyful memories. Sometimes, she feels like she gets more out of the visits than her pals.

Lois highly recommends volunteering with the CCA, especially for male mentors and Spanish speakers. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Chemo Pal program was on hold for two years. While Lois found other volunteer roles during that time, she hopes to one day return as a Chemo Pal.

Here’s a link to a CCA video featuring kids, doctors, nurses, and parents who are so Happy! It’s great anytime you need to be inspired to help.