Biz 1123 Corp Responsibility Dept - FINAL_Dept 11 / 6 / 23 11 : 56 AM Page 1 C O M M U N I T Y making in the community , the more they will inspire others to get involved and use their own unique strengths to benefit another person in need of help — and it’s as simple as sharing a social media post or forwarding an email . ” — Mary Beth Woodward , associate vice For the president communications , Center for Family Services “ Many of our partners who also volunteer Greater Good get a behind - the - scenes look into how we Whether donating time , money or resources , impact the community . In addition to vol - unteering at the Food Bank of South Jersey’s businesses in South Jersey recognize the importance warehouse , partners have an opportunity ofgiving back to the community they call home . to support our mobile food distributions [ by Peter Proko ] that take place in the community . Other ways we communicate impact is through t’s no secret that South Jersey is home to some amazing busi - ourmarketing and communications . Using nesses — both large and small — that are helping drive the local economy elementssuch as our annual report , impact and solidify the region as a hub for any number of industries . But sheets , tours , videos , personal meetings Ibeyond job creation and revenue generation , many of these companies andother public presentations , we happily feel a corporate responsibility to be a good neighbor and lend support to nu - share how our partners ’ compassion and merous causes in the community . generosity are positively impacting the lives And area companies are achieving this in multiple ways , creating their own of our neighbors . One dollar can provide charitable arms to raise crucial funding , volunteering with different organizations up to three meals , and , at present time , and partnering with nonprofits to help them achieve both short - and long - term 93 % of every dollar donated goes to support goals . our hunger - relief programs . ” On the flipside , nonprofits are certainly welcoming this compassionate and — Lavinia Awosanya , chief development crucial support , as it helps them further their mission and expand their outreach . officer , The Food Bank of South Jersey Having these philanthropic partners is rewarding for both sides : The end result is a better South Jersey for everyone . Do you encourage your members to We spoke to some leaders from both businesses and nonprofits in the area takean active role in giving back to the to get a sense of how corporate giving can be a fulfilling mission for all those community and why is that important involved . toyou ? “ Oh , my goodness , yes . We’re not here For those who give to just to service an individual because they your organization , how do havea business . We’re here to help an in - you work with them to dividual grow their business with the ex - show the positive impact pectationthat the member’s family grows , the money they donate and therefore their community grows . So will have , and how that it’s not an ‘ I have it , you go get yours ’ type will have a direct benefit of scenario : It is ‘ I finally have it , let me for the countless people spread it amongst the community . ’ There’s you are able to help as a clearly an expectation — and it is in our result ? natureas African Americans to reach back “ For every donor and cor - and assist the other individuals in our porate group , staff take the community . … time to share how the dona - “ When we watch our members grow , tions make an impact . This our expectation is that they reach back happens through conversa - andgrab one of the newer members who’s tions with donors and cor - just coming on to assist them in getting porate groups as they plan intosome of these opportunities that they their ways to give , or plan noware sitting in . It is an expectation that’s volunteer projects , to maxi - the fiber of our chamber . ” mize impact and be sure they have the chance to invest their time and resources — Mary O . Griffin , PMP , IOM , vice into the people who they want to help . This also happens through speaking en - president , membership retention and gagements onsite at community organizations and corporate partners ’ office relations , African American Chamber of locations , where donors hear stories directly from our staff about the children and Commerce of New Jersey ( AACCNJ ) families who will benefit from their contributions . “ The impact of corporate engagement , donations , and volunteerism is also Obviously , nonprofits survive on the highlighted in the quarterly newsletter , The Spark , and frequently on social strengthof community support , so how media . The more that folks spread the word about the positive impact they are doorganizations like yours benefit from 10 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 13 ISSUE 11 | SouthJerseyBiz.net