Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer has expanded its Meijer Team Gives program this year to engage more employees and make a larger impact in the communities it serves.
In 2022, the Meijer Team Gives program will donate $3 million to more than 500 nonprofits chosen by employees, bringing the total to almost $6 million.
“Meijer cares about the communities we serve, and our employees are the face of that commitment in our stores every day,” said Rick Keyes, president and CEO. “We’re humbled to see our team members’ passion and support for these amazing nonprofits through Meijer Team Gives, because they are the core of who we are as a company.”
Each store and distribution facility is given $10,000 to donate to one nonprofit or split between two in the community. Employees at each location identify the local nonprofits and the communities they serve. This year, the retailer extended the program to include six new stores that opened in 2022, as well as its Employee Resource Groups.
Additionally, seven Meijer stores – Howard, Wisconsin; Lansing, Michigan; Rivertown Market in Detroit; Warsaw, Indiana; Manistee, Michigan; Royal Oak, Michigan; and Cold Springs, Kentucky – that exemplified the retailer’s commitment to community last year were given an extra $5,000 each this year to donate to another nonprofit of their choice.
In Muskegon, Michigan, the entire store team voted by secret ballot and chose to donate to the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County, as well as Heaven Can Wait, a pet rescue dedicated to rescuing, re-homing and providing spay and neuter options.
“We saw so much interest in volunteerism last year after the inaugural Meijer Team Gives, and it was amazing to see the way that our team members became involved with the organizations we chose, so we hope to spur similar interest this year,” said Tom Agrillo, Fruitport Meijer store director.
“The best part of bringing Meijer Team Gives back for a second year was seeing the program’s growth, alongside the anticipation of our team members who were not only looking forward to it but even researching local organizations in their free time.”
The Westfield, Indiana, store chose nonprofit Student Impact for its donation. The organization will use the funds to help with its mission of providing a safe and consistent environment, as well as meals and activities for students in the community.
“Our afterschool programming and special events would not be possible without the help and support from Chad Clark and his team at Meijer,” said Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact.
“The team at Meijer really believes in our mission, and their financial support through Meijer Team Gives, as well as gift cards throughout the year enables us to provide more mentorship for the kids in our community, which builds trust and relationships and makes our community a better place.”
