Thousands of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) employees are stepping away from their desks today to give back to local communities. In its 14th year, the company’s Annual Service Day is once again bringing out the best in Blue Cross employees, with approximately 3,000 workers volunteering at 80 different projects across Massachusetts.
This isn’t just any day of volunteering. It’s a companywide event that has been running since 2011, contributing an impressive $12 million in grants and in-kind support to various nonprofit organizations throughout the state. The projects cover a broad spectrum of community needs, from environmental sustainability to improving access to healthy food, promoting racial equity, and supporting community health.
“Service Day is truly one of the most extraordinary days of the year at Blue Cross,” said Sarah Iselin, Blue Cross’ President and CEO. “We see thousands of our associates head out across the state to partner with the local nonprofits our communities rely on. It’s not only an expression of our commitment to giving back, but also a chance to remind ourselves how deeply connected we all are. Plus, it’s a lot of fun—I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Blue Cross is teaming up with a variety of nonprofit organizations this year, including the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in Lynn, GreenRoots in Chelsea, Balanced Learning Center in Fall River, and Save the Harbor Save the Bay in Boston. From Worcester to Northampton, employees are showing up to do everything from planting gardens to organizing supplies at food banks.
One of the standout aspects of this day is that each nonprofit partner receives a $2,500 financial contribution on top of the volunteer work. That’s a huge help for these organizations, ensuring they have the resources to continue making a difference long after Service Day ends.
While today’s volunteerism is front and center, Blue Cross has earned a solid reputation for community involvement all year long. Last year, 88% of Blue Cross employees participated in some form of volunteer work—a figure that is four times the national average for corporate volunteerism. It’s this commitment that recently earned Blue Cross the title of “Most Community-Focused Healthcare Company in the Nation” from Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to volunteer service.
As Service Day continues to evolve, so does its impact. With projects that align with Blue Cross’ focus on health justice, the event is more than a feel-good initiative—it’s a chance to address critical community issues head-on.
This annual event shows no signs of slowing down, and with the enthusiasm and dedication of the Blue Cross employees, the future of Service Day looks bright. It’s a day that doesn’t just benefit communities, but also strengthens the bond between employees, nonprofits, and the people they serve.
Want to see the full list of nonprofit partners? Head over to Blue Cross’ official site and find out how this day is making waves across Massachusetts.