When we dedicate our time, skills or resources to help others, we not only make a difference in their lives but also enrich our own.
As we look back on 2024, we’re grateful for the partners that allowed us to make an impact in the communities we serve: connecting with our communities and each other.
Each year through our corporate impact program, MEM gives back to causes supporting education and skills development, health and wellness and safety. But we also encourage our employees to give time. With over 4,400 volunteer hours available and 70 percent of employees volunteering, MEM and its employees give time or treasure to more than 100 different organizations annually. When we pair the enthusiasm for giving back with the work of phenomenal nonprofit partners, we have quite a list.
Please enjoy our Top 20 Corporate Impact Moments of 2024.
1. Celebrated a new warehouse name
In May, new signage was unveiled in recognition of MEM’s campaign contribution of more than $100,000 to create The Food Bank Market.
We’re honored to have MEM’s name on The Market’s warehouse space. In addition to storing the food that helps so many neighbors in our community and surrounding counties, the space is where many Food Bank employees and volunteers work, which aligns with our vision to keep workplaces safe.
Jennifer Peck, MEM Vice President, Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer
2. Made family time more fun
Employees filled kits for building fairy houses and for making cookies for families at Love Columbia’s Healthy Homes and Tables program.
3. Took underwear off the list of worries
It’s hard to concentrate on learning or make a friend when a child is afraid they will be “discovered” without undies. With the help of volunteers, MEM packaged 2,500 pairs of underwear in partnership with Undies for Everyone for donation.
4. Prepped breakfast and lunch for Veterans getting medical care
From breakfast sandwiches to burritos, we made sure there were 50 more meals for Veterans staying at Mid Missouri Fisher House. The facility provides free temporary lodging for families of Veterans.
5. Tied fleece to make cozy blankets
Residents of the Salvation Army Harbor House may experience chronic homelessness and receive shelter, meals, housing, life skills and case management assistance. We made more than 20 blankets for them.
6. Went Green for Mental Health Awareness
We lit up the MEM home office in green lights to spread awareness about the importance of taking care of mental health.
7. Put presents under the tree
We sponsored the Voluntary Action Center’s Holiday Program that served more than 1,000 families in Columbia, Missouri, this year. MEM employees volunteered during the week to assist in distributing presents.
8. Worked a book fair for elementary students
For the second year in a row, we spent a day with the Ozarks Literacy Council helping young readers at Williams Elementary. The council hosts special book fairs in select area schools where children are given a chance to pick out books.
9. Wrapped diapers for families
Employees wrapped more than 10,000 diapers for First Chance for Children during two volunteer days for use in the Baby Bags program.
10. Sorted, cleaned and repaired for families setting up housing
We spent a few hours with Flourish Furniture Bank in Kansas City. The group partners with social service agencies providing wrap-around services to empower families overcoming housing insecurity. By collecting, repairing, and providing donated furniture and home essentials for the entire home the organization serves up to 40 families per week.
11. Packaged items for delivery
A group sorted donations into categories so the food needed could be delivered to local food pantries and distribution sites served by the St. Louis Area Food Bank.
12. Cleaned and organized for a community center
Nursery shelves, closets with supplies and kitchens were cleaned to serve the Salvation Army Gateway Citadel.
This organization is a home to those in the community who need to be fed, who need to feel connected, who need to feel loved. The cluttered closets told stories of babies, toddlers, teens, adults, and the elderly who have spent time in this building.
Cheryl Graber, MEM
13. Lived United
Employees volunteered as part of the Heart of Missouri United Way’s Week of Action. MEM allows employees to donate paid time off each year to the United Way.
14. Filled shelves for shoppers
Several MEM teams had the opportunity to stock shelves at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri’s pantry location, the Food Bank Market.
15. Walked for good causes
We walked more than 1,000 miles for charitable causes in virtual 5ks and charity walks. Employees donated each month to participate in our virtual 5ks and organized teams for fundraising events benefiting The Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and more. MEM matched the funds they raised.
16. Supported safety training for more than 1,000
We sponsored and volunteered for the annual Missouri Common Ground Alliance Damage Prevention Summit in Springfield, Missouri. This two-day event reaches more than 1,300 with safety training. Annually, MEM impacts more than 8,000 employees with safety training.
17. Sorted clothing for students
A group organized the clothing closet for our partner in education, Gentry Middle School. MEM celebrated 30 years as Gentry’s partner in education in 2024.
18. Supported Safety Sciences
MEM celebrated its 12th year of contributions and more than $75,000 to the MEM Safety Sciences Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri.
19. Cooked for families needing a hot meal during a hard time
Two teams made more than 250 servings of freezer meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid Missouri facility. MEM has also sponsored a sleep room for families with children in treatment that are in critical need at MU Children’s Hospital. When the Ronald McDonald House is too far away, and the families need to be steps away, the room is there.
We are so grateful for MEM for their kindness and generosity. Your support truly makes a difference in helping families stay close to their sick children during challenging times.
Steffanee Richardson, Director of Development for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid Missouri
20. Laced up boots for a new career
MEM donated work boots for participants in the MO Women Work – Women in Trades Program designed to help women enter the workforce in a new field.