The Standard believes that we have a responsibility to our communities just as we have a responsibility to our customers. It's a matter of living our values and ultimately helps drive our success.
Through the Employee Giving Campaign our employees have their charitable donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions matched by The Standard. Pledges made during the Campaign are matched dollar for dollar. The program is available to all regular, part-time and full-time employees. In 2007, our employees donated $553,000 to 675 different organizations across the country. After The Standard's dollar-for-dollar match, more than $1,000,000 was donated to charities.
We also believe that for many nonprofit organizations, time is as important as money. For many years, The Standard has given our employees the chance to apply for grants to support organizations where they volunteer. The Dollars for Doers program recognizes the importance of employee's volunteer efforts, directing contributions to eligible nonprofit groups based on the amount of time an employee of The Standard volunteers. Dollars for Doers grants are awarded for many types of organizations who provide services to international relief, animal rehabilitation, mentoring youth and food and shelter for families in need.
The Standard created the Community Chest program to provide assistance to community nonprofit organizations that are in need of not only funds but donated materials (both new and used). Every month, the company highlights an area of need, provides information to employees regarding items needed and organizes drives to collected the donated goods.
Employees are given the opportunity to wear jeans every Friday in exchange for a donation to a local charity. The 2007 beneficiary, Make-A-Wish Foundation®, received more than $73,000 and was able to provide 14 wishes for children in the Portland metropolitan area.
Employees will again have the opportunity in 2008 to wear jeans every Friday by making a donation to any of these organizations selected by employees: Oregon Humane Society, Oregon Food Bank, Mercy Corps, Habitat for Humanity, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
The Standard organizes volunteer opportunities every year for employees and their families. Volunteer activities may range from a two-hour to eight-hour commitment and are scheduled during work hours as well as weekends to accommodate schedules and family activities. All regular full- and part-time employees are eligible for up to one day of paid time per calendar year to volunteer in their communities.