National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize volunteers who prioritize making a social impact in our communities through personal volunteer service. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has made it a top priority to provide associates the ability to dedicate their time and talents to volunteering.  Throughout the years, associates have donated thousands of hours and dollars towards causes they care about to promote healthier, more equitable communities.

Blue Cross offers many ways for associates to give back to their communities. They can use up to 20 hours of volunteer paid time off (VPTO) to volunteer during the workday. They can make financial donations during the annual Community Giving Campaign. They can also be recognized through the Dollars for Doers campaign by volunteering at least 40 hours a year outside of work to a single nonprofit – and Blue Cross will give $250 to that organization.

In 2021, nearly half of all Blue Cross associates used some of all their VPTO time, totaling 19,290 volunteer hours to support charitable causes.

“Our associates are juggling many things in their lives and, still, they find time to give back through volunteerism,” says AJ McDougall, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of marketing, communications and customer experience. “We thank them for sharing their time and talents in support of those social determinants of health – food access, housing, literacy –  that drive healthy, equitable communities.”

Making a big impact through volunteering

At a recent volunteer recognition event, Blue Cross paid tribute to all the associates who made contributions in 2021:

• 231 associates used all their 20 hours of VPTO
• 375 associates volunteered on the COVID-19 mobile vaccination buses between April-August 2021
• 63 associates received Dollars for Doers contributions
• 11 associates were Dollars for Doers for two separate nonprofits
• 15 associates were named “Triple Play Award” recipients – using all VPTO, receiving a Dollars for Doers recognition and giving at least $500 through the Community Giving Campaign.

“This year, it just seems like celebrating, volunteering and the values that drive that commitment is more important than ever,” says May Vang, vice president of treasury and chief investment officer at Blue Cross. “We know that each and every one of us, as volunteers, can make a difference. Celebration matters more than ever. We are here to celebrate our collective social impact.”

Teams recognized for giving back

Each year, three teams at Blue Cross are recognized for a volunteer project or activity organized within a division, department or by a group of associates. These projects provide opportunities for team building and interacting with colleagues outside the workplace. Team Recognition Award winners are awarded with a $500 contribution to their nonprofit.

The 2021 Team Recognition Awards go to:

Operations Team at United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s Meet Up & Chow Down

In 2021, the operations team at Blue Cross’ Virginia headquarters volunteered all summer at the free summer lunch program for children in need on the Iron Range, through the USDA and Minnesota Department of Education's Summer Food Service Program. In 2021 11,474 meals were served through this program at nine sites in northern Minnesota. The Blue Cross team volunteered at the Aurora site twice a week by picking up lunches at the local hospital and distributing them outside the local library, making a difference for local kids and families in need.

Allies of the Military ARG at Hastings Veterans Home

Continuing a history of volunteering with the Hastings Veterans Home, the Allies of the Military associate resource group (ARG) assisted veterans living at the home with spring clean-up projects such as spreading mulch, tiling, prepping flower beds, planting flowers and shrub removal. Beyond physical volunteerism, the emotional connection shows support to our veterans for their sacrifices that have provided us the freedoms we enjoy. Working side-by-side with the veterans gives us a chance to give back and make a difference in their lives.

Sustainability Team at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

In 2021, the Sustainability team at Blue Cross volunteered together over three different days and at two different Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity build sites. For two days, they supported a site in South St. Paul, primarily focusing on building and framing the walls for the garage. On the third day, they supported the women’s build site in St. Paul.

“Know that your volunteering has an impact and can influence the trajectory of many lives behind the scenes.” – May Vang, vice president of treasury and chief investment officer

Where and why our associates volunteer

“My volunteer journey has run the whole spectrum – from starting as a volunteer to championing volunteerism at Blue Cross to serving on the board for Reading Partners. If I could say one thing about volunteering it is this – it’s more rewarding than you will even expect. Challenge yourself to dig a little deeper, get a little more involved and share yourself a bit more. You’ll be glad you did.” – Tom Noon, principal financial analyst

“I really enjoy volunteering my time, gas, and energy to deliver Meals on Wheels to people who cannot get out or have difficulty with cooking for themselves. It feels good to give back to your local community and provide a much-needed service. I do this activity on my day off during the week all year long so I can achieve Dollars for Doers and help even more! It really is such a great volunteer opportunity, and we can always use more help!” – Tracy Bauman, customer service representative

“I’ve been volunteering at Neighbors Inc since I was able to use VPTO (seven years). Neighbors Inc. provides emergency and food assistance to low-income families in my community. Neighbors Inc. has helped so many families in need, including myself when I was out of work before coming to Blue Cross. I was so grateful to be given the opportunity to pay it forward by volunteering for them. Our Blue Cross volunteers work with the NAPS program, which is a federal program that provides nutritional assistance to seniors monthly. I look forward to going to Neighbors to volunteer. I’ve gotten to know the recipients by name and truly enjoy building relationships with the neighbors in my community.” – Kathryn Aslakson, technical claims specialist

“Hands down, one of the most humbling volunteer opportunities I have ever done, was participating in the COVID vaccine mobile bus last year. I volunteered on the very first Week 1 Bus (visiting the St. Paul Hmong Community) as a clinician, administering the vaccines. I wanted to help make an impact by reaching out to those facing barriers to help end this pandemic. Along the way, I met some amazing people within the communities visited and within our Blue Cross organization.” – Nichole Regan, RN, care manager preservice and retrospective

To learn more about Blue Cross’ volunteer and social impact efforts, read our 2021 Report to the Community here.