Berkshire Bank implemented an exciting program in 2008 which undertakes community service projects that employees participate in during business hours.  This Employee Volunteer Program is open to all the company's employees and is overseen by a 15 member Employee Council that selects service projects and guides the program. The program is administered by the Berkshire Bank Foundation.

The Employee Volunteer Program was established with the following goals: 

• Allow employees to get involved in and give back to their community
• Increase the Bank’s involvement and visibility in the community
• Help employees gain new organizational and leadership skills
• Build teamwork and strengthen employee morale

Program operation and accomplishments:

Twenty-two group work projects benefiting non-profit organizations or governmental entities have been carried out in every region served by Berkshire Bank in 2009 alone, with more than one-third of bank employees participating. Some of the projects completed include:

• Christian Center of Pittsfield (MA) – exterior painting, carpentry, landscaping
• Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter – Pittsfield (MA) – shelter painting and dog house repairs
• Construct, Inc. – Great Barrington (MA) – repairs and landscaping at transitional housing shelter
• Shriners Hospital – Springfield (MA) – landscaping work
• Rensselaer (NY) Public Library – Refurbishing of room used by community groups for teaching immigrants
• Northshire Day School – Manchester (VT) – landscaping and repairs to playground for this preschool
• Morningside Community School – Pittsfield (MA) - Lunch Buddies Mentoring Program
• Downtown Park Bench Painting – Pittsfield (MA)
• Exterior cleanup of historic Allen House – Pittsfield (MA)
• Company-wide Food Drive to benefit local food pantries (MA, NY, VT)
• Relay For Life walks in 4 regions of the Bank raising more than $32,000.

Volunteer employee of the year awards:                                                     

An awards program was established to recognize employees who exemplify outstanding volunteerism in the community outside the Bank. One award winner is selected annually from each region and the Foundation makes a $500 donation to the non-profit organization selected by each winner.

The Volunteer Program is always looking for suggestions for projects to undertake.  If you have any recommendations, please contact the Foundation office at foundation@berkshirebank.com.

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