Adding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to events has become increasingly popular. If your group is interested in making a social impact on the destination, there are many organizations to choose from to support. Whether spending time participating in a service project or raising money for a donation, there are some great organizations to consider supporting.
Volunteer Group Activities
Food for Lane County is a nonprofit food bank founded in 1984 and is dedicated to reducing hunger in the community and creating access to food. They accomplish this by soliciting, collecting, rescuing, growing, preparing and packaging food for distribution through a network of 150 social service agencies and programs. Food for Lane County has volunteer opportunities for people of all ages and interests. Volunteers are needed year-round to participate in a variety of activities including soil preparation, planting, harvesting and composting in their GrassRoots Garden. Additionally, during weekdays volunteers can also prepare food for the dining room, repack bulk products, sort and clean donated produce and perform other kitchen tasks. Food for Lane County has been around for almost 40 years and continues to be a catalyst in the community.
The Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals since 1944 and is the only animal shelter within the Eugene-Springfield area. Some of their programs include animal adoptions, disaster response, humane education, a pet pantry and more. There are several volunteer team opportunities which include helping transport animals, supplies and medication to and from Greenhill, helping out at special events and morning cleaning duties. Without the help of volunteers, the Greenhill Humane Society would not be able to provide its current level of service to the animals and people of the community.
The Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley (BGCEV) has been serving the Eugene-Springfield community since 1999 and is one of the largest and most diverse youth service agencies in the Eugene-Springfield area. Their mission is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need it the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. BGCEV has several ways that groups and individuals can help leave an impact and one of those ways is by participating in a service project. If your organization would like to volunteer together for a day, consider this opportunity. Some past projects have included beautifying the building, putting on special events, and spending time at the club with the kids.
The Ronald Mcdonald House in Springfield provides access to medical care, a home away from home and community support for seriously ill or injured children and their families. In 2022, the Ronald McDonald House provided 21,711 free night stays for seriously ill children and their families and over 160,000 servings of food. Volunteers are a crucial part of the organization’s success and they have many ways of helping. Preparing meals, supporting events and leading activities are just some of the ways your group can make a difference. Their volunteer page even has a volunteer sign-up sheet where you can select to volunteer with your group.
The Relief Nursery helps children reach their potential by providing a unique combination of individualized classroom and home-based developmental experiences for children 0-6 years of age. The nursery specializes in strengthening families and keeping children safe through a variety of programs. Volunteers are vital to the success of the Relief Nursery and around 250 hours of volunteer services are needed each week. Groups can work as event volunteers to assist staff with special events and activities. Not only that, but your group can also assist kitchen staff in preparing breakfast and lunch for the children.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a Eugene-Springfield nonprofit geared toward helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those in need. Volunteer opportunities include helping distribute bikes, building bikes, helping kids shop for their bikes and more.
Donations and Other Ways to Give
There are several other important nonprofits in the community that could use help simply by donating, dropping off supplies and more.
For over a decade, the Oregon Cancer Foundation has empowered, strengthened and sustained those impacted by cancer in the community through education, support and financial assistance. Programs include support groups, classes and the Believe Boutique which provides wigs, hats, scarves and more. All of the funds raised by the Oregon Cancer Foundation help patients in Lane County.
15th Night serves as both a catalyst to hub and help safeguard the almost 800 Eugene-Springfield students who are navigating school, life and homelessness alone. Donating financial support helps provide quick access to resources and services.
Patient Pet Advocates is a pet-focused community service that strives to help people struggling with profound, life-altering or terminal medical issues. Their services are tailored to the goal of supporting pets in their home environment, helping patients to plan for pet care in emergencies, and providing support in crisis situations. Patient Pet Advocates relies on generous donors to fund their activities.
Wordcrafters provides a home for sharing knowledge and stories with each other and future generations to cultivate a more empathetic, creative and courageous world. Through their fiction fluency program and additional work teaching writing, Wordcrafters builds future writers and gives a voice to those who have been marginalized and excluded. Donor support is one of the ways to ensure their mission is successful.
Every Child Lane County supports children and families impacted by foster care in the community. There are several ways to give to this organization including bottledrops and traditional donations.
Kids FIRST is Lane County's Children's Advocacy Center. They provide services, including therapy at no cost, for children and families and provide intervention and advocacy for children who are victims of, or witnesses, to crime. In 2022, Kids FIRST launched a mental health program to provide therapy services for children who have experienced trauma. Community support is crucial for this program's success and donating is a great way to help Kids FIRST reach their goals.
Make an Impact
There are many ways your group can make a positive impact during your visit. Whether volunteering as a group or making a donation, there’s sure to be a cause that resonates with your group or meeting theme and an organization that can benefit from your goodwill.
