Working at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota gives associates an opportunity to make an impact not only in their jobs, but also in the community. Full-time associates each receive 20 hours of volunteer paid time off (VPTO) each year, making it possible to give back in ways that mean the most to them.

Throughout 2023, more than 1200 associates utilized their VPTO, for a total of more than 13,800 hours. As we ring in the new year, we’re looking back at some of the ways associates made a difference in their communities in 2023.

Sending support through the mail

More than 70 Blue Cross associates volunteered their time with the Quarterly Card Connect, with volunteers creating and sending four or more cards to more than 300 seniors.

The group is in its fourth year partnering with Friends & Co., which works to foster meaningful connections for older adults.

A highlight for the group this year included a special Valentine’s Day event with Blue Cross associates from across the company creating and mailing approximately 700 Valentines to seniors.

“We have found that words can lift seniors’ spirits and remind them of their worth in knowing someone is thinking about them,” says Ashlie Lystad, principal national business consultant at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “Our Blue Cross volunteers are nothing short of amazing in giving their seniors a sense of purpose and encouragement at a time when they need it most.” Group members also provided holiday gifts to more than 35 seniors in need.

Building ramps in northern Minnesota

In August, associates worked with Access North to build five modular sections of home entrance ramps for people with disabilities.

The ramps are specially designed to require no footings and can therefore be temporary or permanent, depending on need.

By utilizing volunteer work, the ramps cost only about one third of what they typically would through a traditional contractor.

Keeping neighbors warm and providing kids with materials to succeed

The African American Professionals Network, one of 12 associate resource groups at Blue Cross, held a back-to-school drive and winter coat drive in 2023, both benefitting the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood.

Associates donated nearly 1,100 items for the school supply initiative ranging from backpacks to headphones to calculators.

Later in the year, associate contributions for the coat drive were so plentiful that the initiative expanded to include snowpants, clothing, boots, with more than 400 items collected.

Now in its fourteenth year, the “Hearts and Hands" group of associates, who volunteer their time knitting, crocheting, and sewing items for those in need, donated more than 400 handcrafted items in 2023.

Blankets, hats, mittens and more were  given to four charitable organizations for distribution into the community:

• • Bundles of Love
  • Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans
  • Hallie Q. Brown Community Center
  • American Indian Youth Enrichment

Growing produce for a healthier community

Nearly 100 associates volunteered their time tending to Blue Cross’ 3,800 square foot Community Giving Garden in the 2023 season.

What began with soil enrichment, planting and the tending of 40 crops – including a variety of pollinator flowers – led to 1,200 pounds of fresh produce donated to the Eagan Open Door food shelf.

“Spending time in the giving garden with fellow associates, and at times their kids, is so joyful,” says Magda Surrisi, director of implementation and strategic execution at Blue Cross. “It’s one of those wonderful experiences that makes you feel good, body and soul – fresh air, sunshine, digging in the dirt, surrounded by the beauty of the garden, talking and laughing with colleagues, and being able to share fresh, healthy foods with those in need in our community. It has a direct connection to our mission of paving the way for everyone to live their healthiest lives.”

Learn more

If you are interested in learning more about VPTO and the other benefits offered to associates working at Blue Cross, click here.