1,200 Boston-area employees swapped day in office for day of service

BOSTON – When more than 1,200 corporate workers from 49 Boston-area companies arrived ready for “work” on Thursday, September 29, they crossed the thresholds of programs offering child care, after-school activities, job training and affordable housing instead of walking through the doors of their companies. The employees participated in United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s (UWMB) Community Care Day, an annual effort to educate volunteers about issues facing the community, foster long-term volunteer engagement and match companies with volunteer projects in issue areas they are most interested in.

UWMB launched its Community Care Day 13 years ago as an opportunity for corporate volunteers to perform a day of community service. Since then, many other organizations have initiated volunteer days.
The inclusion of education about community issues as a theme of UWMB’s effort recognizes that companies are becoming increasingly strategic about their corporate giving and their corporate volunteer efforts. They are also increasingly interested in investing their dollars and employees’ time in causes that are aligned with their philanthropic/business goals.

“Truly an inspiring day,” is a quote from one corporate volunteer manager. In addition to comments like these, the feedback from those participating further shows how important Community Care Day is to engaging others in our work. Take a look:

* 80% of volunteers and 75% of corporate volunteer managers reported gaining a better understanding of the work and mission of United Way as a result of participating in Community Care Day;
* 88% of volunteers said they were more likely to volunteer on an ongoing basis as a result of participating in Community Care Day; and
* 46% of agencies reported recruiting a new ongoing volunteer as a result of participation in Community Care Day.

Community Care Day is one of the greatest opportunities for individuals to join together in a concerted effort to improve social conditions in the communities where we live and work,” said Milton J. Little Jr., president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “These volunteers worked to create positive, social change through mentoring opportunities, transforming neighborhoods and boosting career skills.”