CFT celebrates Volunteering in 2023
National Volunteer Month 2023 made a positive difference in the lives of volunteers, the nonprofits that welcomed them, and the people they helped.
By the end of April, over 600 CFT for Business volunteers had served for 2,700+ hours during 53 volunteer shifts. The economic impact measurement of $81,980.64 reflects the estimated dollar value of these volunteer hours according to Independent Sector.
Throughout the year, North Texas companies connect with nonprofit partners through CFT for Business to uplift neighbors, drive positive change, and create a ripple effect of meaningful corporate responsibility outcomes for our community. CFT's National Volunteer Month provides a look into that community impact – a month-long celebration in April where CFT for Business’ network engages in volunteer service nearly every day.
Our 2023 National Volunteer Month initiative offered 26 service projects and learning opportunities for our CFT for Business members and their employees to #DoTheGood in the region. Hundreds of employees from various companies in CFT for Business’ network felt called to work together and volunteer at local nonprofits.
CFT for Business’ Cornerstone Sponsors made a notable impact this year. Bioworld Merchandising donated 500 National Volunteer Month t-shirts for our National Volunteer Month participants. Additionally, over 80 Bioworld employees visited the Dallas Zoo to improve its pollinator habitat and create a better environment for animals and guests. Hunt hosted its fourth annual Hunt Helpers Day with over 200 employee volunteers participating in nine projects across Dallas. Shields Legal Group activated employee volunteers at projects in Dallas and Collin County addressing food insecurity and inspiring youth.
CFT for Business’ two newest Community Leader level members, Texas Instruments and Thomson Reuters, actively served in several projects, including a career day inspiring 8th-graders looking forward to future careers. Projects also supported young people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence survivors, and individuals with intellectual and developmental differences.
Community Partner level members, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and PGA of America, hosted custom projects in addition to serving at CFT for Business' projects. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas volunteered throughout District 11 in Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio.
Community Supporter level member, Urban Logistics Realty Group, sponsored a Habitat for Humanity Home Build Day and took its team, partners, and friends to frame a house in West Dallas.
The CFT for Business team added new experiences to its second annual National Volunteer Month efforts, including a community tour, a business hackathon for social good, and an Earth Day celebration with two family-friendly projects focused on improving the local environment.
Volunteers built emergency food boxes and helped neighbors shop at food pantries in Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin Counties. Additionally, volunteers cleaned out and organized storage areas at shelters and drop-in centers.
Communities Foundation of Texas extends a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to everyone who participated in our second annual celebration of National Volunteer Month. Participants stepped up to support the lives of thousands of people, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to connect our network with the causes and organizations they care about.
View photos from National Volunteer Month projects here. If you have photos that you would like to share as well, please send a link or the photos to business@cftexas.org.
If you served at a National Volunteer Month project and have not yet completed the “Please tell us about your volunteer experience survey,” please take a few moments to do so. This survey takes no more than three minutes and provides valuable feedback and ideas to inform planning for the future. Communities Foundation of Texas will also connect to the nonprofit organizations that participated to learn about the impact of volunteer work and ways we can grow next year.
After the CFT for Business team receives volunteer and nonprofit survey results, project outcomes will be shared with network members and partners in a future blog.
Thank you for taking the time to #DoTheGood this National Volunteer Month!