Assembling pantry packs or writing encouragement cards may seem to be a singular act of service, but volunteer projects like these are an essential part of creating Mighty Change throughout our community. Through corporate volunteer engagement projects, businesses create an intentional company culture that values empathy, and purpose-driven work.
“Corporate engagement is about so much more than hosting a volunteer event, it’s about providing an opportunity for employees to connect with and build relationships with their community and within their company itself,” said Twyla Marcrum, vice president of donor engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way. “When employees come together in service to their community, they are fostering deeper connections with each other and the mission behind the work.”
With over 19 diverse volunteer projects and over 100 community partners in need of volunteers, Valley of the Sun United Way has the unique ability to create custom-tailored programs for businesses that are in alignment with the company’s priorities and values to meet our community’s most urgent needs. From packing supplies for Heat Relief Kits and Snack Packs for those experiencing homelessness to planting community gardens and participating in revitalization projects in under-served communities, each project plays a special role in creating a better future for everyone.
One event can change everything
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is one of Valley of the Sun United Way’s corporate partners that is writing their unique story of purpose through volunteerism.
In collaboration with Valley of the Sun United Way, they created AZ Blue In Action—a one-day, multi-project event that the entire organization came together to accomplish. This day of community and service was not simply checkboxes for the AZ Blue team, but a prime example of putting their mission into motion to help others.
For employees, these corporate fundraising and engagement campaigns create a strong sense of pride, inspire deeper engagement and emphasize the value of community connection. Blue Cross Blue Shield created its AZ Blue In Action event to provide employees an opportunity to come together to provide local support through deliberate action.
And they aren’t alone.
From intent to impact
American Express is another corporate partner that has long been a champion of volunteerism in our community. During its “Week of Action,” teams joined together to support children and families through hands-on service activities. For American Express, it is more than corporate responsibility, it is their cultural identity.
“When we talk about creating Mighty Change, we’re talking about the cumulative power of small and meaningful actions,” said Sam Leyvas, vice president of corporate relations and social responsibility. “Incorporating service or ‘give back’ activities can ignite lasting transformation and create a sense of purpose and belonging within a company, among employees and throughout our community.”
The American Express corporate engagement events have included helping pack essential items for thousands of local families, supported education initiatives and provided critical assistance for people throughout the Valley. It is this strong spirit of collaboration and deep commitment to community that enables Valley of the Sun United Way to continue to provide vital resources that support our community where it is needed most.
The impact is measurable, but the sense of unity and purpose is priceless.
Strengthening bonds that matter most
It is this overarching unity and purpose that helps corporate partners reinforce their commitment to their customers, employees and the communities they serve. For PetSmart, employee volunteer opportunities aren’t just a way to give back, it one of the ways they live their values every day.
“At PetSmart, we’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” said Lauren Fieman, manager, associate and civic engagement at PetSmart. “Partners like Valley of the Sun United Way help us engage our associates in volunteer activities focused on the causes they care about most.”
Whether supporting supply drives for homeless pets or assembling hygiene kits, companies like PetSmart and their teams are discovering that volunteer engagement not only leaves a positive footprint within the community, it strengthens the bonds between coworkers.
“In addition, Valley of the Sun United Way has been a longstanding impact partner in our ‘Be The Difference’ annual giving campaign,” added Fieman. “We’re proud to have PetSmart leaders and associates helping to advance the Valley of the United Way mission, and support our local community, through activities ranging from board leadership to volunteerism and meaningful individual contributions.”
Collaboration as a force for good
Connection and compassion matter now more than ever and these corporate stories reveal a deep, undeniable truth: when businesses and nonprofits unite, they become a powerful influence for social change.
“We know that businesses want to make an impact for good and it is important to them that their initiatives are also meaningful to their teams,” added Marcrum. “That is why we work with our corporate partners to understand their goals and implement creative employee engagement solution that reflect their unique culture and values while also delivering results for the community.”
Valley of the Sun United Way is proud to be the bridge that makes this important work possible. Through tailored volunteer experiences, hands-on service events, skill-based projects and corporate giving campaigns, companies can drive immediate impact and lasting change.
