This Bartlett man is among FedEx's top volunteers — in the world. Here's why he volunteers

Bartlett resident Daniel Russell likes to get out in the community and lend a hand, from volunteering through the FedEx Cares program to serving as a Scoutmaster with Boy Scouts.

"I get satisfaction from doing that and trying to make a difference," he said.

His volunteer efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

Russell, 41, recently received a FedEx Founders Award, which recognized him as being a top volunteer globally among all FedEx employees during the 2024 fiscal year.

His 1,200 hours were the second-most hours logged. Even though Russell figured he would be in the running for the FedEx Founder Award, he was shocked to learn how high he finished within the entire company.

Russell has worked 12 years for Memphis-based logistics giant FedEx Corp. He currently is a FedEx team member at the FedEx World Technology Center in Collierville.

He is known for his extensive volunteer work through the company's FedEx Cares program, which allows employees to volunteer their time to charitable work in their communities.

Russell has volunteered at local FedEx Cares events benefiting groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Mid-South Food Bank, as well as filled tote bags for military care packages.

“I just really enjoy helping out,” Russell said. “I like to be busy and kind of going beyond just the workplace stuff. I like getting out and helping in the community."

He also looks to inspire his co-workers to give their time when they’re able to.

“When we do the Habit (for Humanity) builds, we’ll encourage our teammates to come out and help,” Russell said. “I try to recruit folks and help bring them along too, and they get to do it and experience that. Hopefully, that will inspire them, and they will want to do that again for the next time it comes out or some other opportunity that comes up through FedEx Cares.”

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES: How a retired dentist uses his passion for pickleball to keep Collierville seniors active

Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster & a life involved in scouting

In addition to lending a hand through FedEx Cares, Russell said many of his volunteer hours logged were with the Boys Scouts of America. He volunteers as a Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop that involves his three sons ages 18, 14 and 11.

Russell’s FedEx Founders Award also included a $15,000 donation to the Kia Kima Alumni Association, a Boy Scouts summer camp, located in Arkansas.

Russell grew up participating in scouting. He is an Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank attainable, and has since helped 70 young men earn the same rank.

Russell said in many cases he’s watched his troops grow from boys to young men, while working with them from first grade up to seniors in high school. He is moved by being able to help in the development of his troops.

"It’s inspiring to get to listen to them talk about their experiences and how much they've grown, changed and learned through scouting."

Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at [email protected] or 901-293-1610.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: FedEx honors Bartlett man for volunteer work, among tops in company