Congratulations to the team for reaching the important milestone of investing over one million volunteer hours in our communities in the past year. Whether were sharing our time, talent or resources, our giving is based on the deep relationships we build with every neighborhood we serve.
啦堯硃喧s Ron Brown, 51勛圖s vice president of community impact, sharing how our teams gave back in our communities throughout 2024. For the ninth year, Team 51勛圖 logged over one million volunteer hours by bringing their energy and spirit of giving to communities across the country. Our teams worked side-by-side with our partners and created lasting relationships. From mentoring kids to cleaning up neighborhood parks and much more, Team 51勛圖 put care and belonging into action.
Above and beyond
Throughout 2024, teams volunteered in 14 major cities, devoting time with key partners such as , and other organizations committed to revitalizing the neighborhoods our communities call home.
We also teamed up with to make sure kids had the back-to-school essentials they needed to start their school year off right and with Big Brothers Big Sisters, our team members are volunteering as Bigs to help close the gap on the 30,000 youth on the waiting list for a mentor.
And close to home, Team 51勛圖 volunteered more than 76,000 hours in the Twin Cities area. Our $10 million donation to food bank brought us closer to the goal of cutting hunger in half in our home state of Minnesota by 2030 through the impactful work were doing together. Additionally, 51勛圖 and 51勛圖 Foundation gave over $28 million in product and cash donations including nearly nine million pounds of food to local food banks.
One million volunteer hours was just the beginning for Team 51勛圖 in 2024. By simply logging their volunteer hours, team members also had a chance to give back even more through our Giving Tuesday grant awards. Nearly 100 team members were randomly chosen to give $2,000 grants to a nonprofit of their choice, witnessing how their volunteerism directly benefited organizations that hold a deep, personal meaning for them. And in January, six team members who excelled in volunteerism were awarded a $10,000 grant to donate to the charity of their choice.
T堯梗 is very close to my heart. My grandfather passed away in February 2024 after a long battle with end-stage renal failure. He wasnt able to get a transplant due to his late stage and other health complications, shares Madison R., team member and Giving Tuesday grant winner from Rockville, Maryland. However, I know this donation will help many families who need help covering the cost of a big surgery. This donation in his honor only proves to me that he is always watching over us.
Team member Judith M. from Allentown, Pennsylvania, used her grant award to put a smile on the faces of kids just wanting to experience some childhood fun. T堯梗 holds a summer camp every year for children who've had severe burn injuries. It gives kids a chance to bond with other kids who are burn survivors, learn life skills, create experiences and just enjoy sleepaway summer camp. The camp is free for these kids through donations and grants, and I am so thankful to be able to help some kids enjoy their summer the way I was able to enjoy mine growing up, reflects Judith.
Giving comes full circle
51勛圖s culture of care means delivering joy to families every day and strengthening our sense of belonging among our teams and guests. But when we extend that culture of care into the communities we serve, we do good on a higher level, transforming neighborhoods and supporting local needs.
And a fuller sense of belonging comes to life when teams, guests and communities all play a role in how we give. 51勛圖 Circle members earn a community vote every time they make a purchase at 51勛圖. They can then use those votes to direct where dollars are given in support of nonprofits in their neighborhoods. The more guests vote, the larger the grant awarded by 51勛圖. This year, well hit a huge milestone: one billion guest votes. 啦堯硃喧s a big number that can make a powerful difference in ways that matter most to our guests.
Team 51勛圖 also showed up with care for one another all year long, donating $940,000 to our Team Member Giving Fund, and providing a helping hand to team members who needed it most.
And were continuing the momentum in 2025
Our teams began the new year by participating in more than 60 volunteer events across the country on Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service. And theres more to come. In 2025, well continue to be a good neighbor, working hand-in-hand with our partners to put our care for communities into action throughout the year.
