Celebrate National Volunteer Month

National Volunteer Month, observed annually in April, is a time to recognize and celebrate the power of volunteerism in our communities. For businesses, it’s an excellent opportunity to engage employees in meaningful activities or a volunteer opportunity that not only benefit society but also enhance workplace culture. One impactful way to participate is by hosting a MATTERbox Packing Event.

Why National Volunteer Month Matters

Established to honor the contributions of volunteers, National Volunteer Month emphasizes the importance of community service. For companies, engaging in volunteer events during this month can lead to numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Company Reputation: 88% of HR executives believe that volunteering positively impacts an organization’s reputation (Source: Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey).

• Increased Employee Engagement: Employees who participate in volunteer programs are 52% less likely to experience turnover, leading to reduced recruitment and training costs (Source: Double the Donation).

• Skill Development: 76% of individuals report developing core work skills through volunteering opportunities (Source: Double the Donation).

What is a MATTERbox Packing Event?

A MATTERbox Packing Event is a hands-on volunteer activity where teams assemble healthy food kits, known as MATTERboxes, to combat food insecurity. Organized by the nonprofit organization MATTER, these events provide a structured and impactful way, with a specific time commitment and minimal effort, for companies to give back to their communities.

How It Works:

1. Preparation: MATTER supplies all necessary materials, including food items, packing supplies, and instructional guides.

2. Packing: Teams collaborate to assemble the MATTERboxes, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.

3. Distribution: The completed boxes are distributed to local communities, schools, or organizations in need, directly benefiting individuals facing food insecurity.

Benefits of Hosting a MATTERbox Event

Implementing impactful corporate volunteer activities requires careful planning and execution. Here are a few key steps to ensure success:

• Team Building: Participating in group volunteer activities strengthens relationships among colleagues.

• Community Impact: Each MATTERbox provides beneficial food to those in need, making a real difference in the community.

• Employee Satisfaction: Employees who volunteer through their workplace report higher job satisfaction and a more positive perception of their employer. MATTER’s research findings illustrate that corporate volunteers believe these events makes the community stronger, creates pride in working for their company, increases satisfaction with their employer, and strengthens loyalty.

Corporate Engagement Example: MATTERbox Madness

An excellent example of corporate engagement is the annual MATTERbox Madness event. In its 11th year, held on March 6, 2025, at the Mall of America®, 16 companies competed in a meal-packing challenge, successfully packing 10,000 snack packs for children. This event not only provides meals for those in need but also fosters team spirit, celebration, and community involvement among participating companies.

How to Get Started

Hosting a MATTERbox Packing Event is straightforward:

1. Contact MATTER: Reach out to MATTER to express interest and receive detailed information.

2. Plan the Event: Coordinate with MATTER to schedule the event, determine the number of participants, and set goals.

3. Engage Employees: Promote the event internally to encourage employee participation and enthusiasm. Make sure to talk about the benefits of volunteering and that this event is a paid volunteer hours opportunity.

4. Host the Event: On the scheduled day, facilitate the packing event with support from MATTER’s resources and guidance.

5. Reflect and Share: After the event, share the experience across the company and highlight the positive outcomes, including how events like this make a difference in communities.