Today, in partnership with the City of Cambridge, we are sending over 140 NERD-based Microsoft employees into the community to volunteer at 10 outstanding Cambridge organizations. Our teams of employee volunteers will be helping with a wide range of projects including IT support, tutoring, general street cleanup, painting, gardening and more.
Being a good neighbor is one of our top priorities. From software grants to free use of our conference center for local tech groups to employee volunteers, giving back to the community is a platform we always operate on.
“CitySprouts is thrilled to partner with Microsoft in their upcoming Employee Day of Caring. The projects that we are able to accomplish with Microsoft volunteers will sustain and nurture our gardens. We can’t wait to sign them all up for the next day of service!”
Kimberly Green Goldstein, Program Manager – CitySprouts
“We are honored to be part of Microsoft’s Day of Caring and thank all volunteers in joining us to create brighter tomorrows for our children.”
Mechilia Eng, Executive Director – Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County
Since 2003, Microsoft has donated over $78M in cash and free software to Massachusetts not-for-profits. As part of our “Microsoft Day of Caring” we are making donations in the amount of $1,000 to each of the below organizations where our employees will be volunteering today:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Middlesex County
The Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. Microsoft volunteers will be painting and beautifying the walls of the Boys & Girls Cambridge Clubhouse gym.
Breakthrough Cambridge
The mission of Breakthrough Cambridge is to prepare underserved, high-achieving middle-school students to enter and succeed in college-preparatory high school programs. Microsoft volunteers will be helping to transform a relatively empty schoolroom into the hub of educational activity for Cambridge middle school students.
City of Cambridge Public Works
The Cambridge Department of Public Works provides high quality services to maintain and expand Cambridge’s safe, healthy, attractive and inviting physical environment. Microsoft volunteers will be working with the Parks and Urban Forestry department cleaning up tree planting areas and removing winter debris, as well as pulling unsightly weeds in areas including Fresh Pond, Alewife Brook and the Charles River waterfront.
City Sprouts
City Sprouts mission is to develop, implement and maintain beautiful, resource-rich school gardens in collaboration with public school communities. Microsoft volunteers will be planting seeds and flowers, weeding, shoveling, raking, pruning, composting turning, shed organizing, painting and installing shelves.
East End House
The East End House is a not-for-profit, multi-service community center and social service agency with an on-going commitment to a diverse population, providing programs and services to strengthen family and community. Microsoft volunteers will be helping to stock the food pantry, and working with young children during the afternoon.
Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House
The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House (MFNH) focuses on building relationships and connecting people with opportunities that will strengthen our community, eliminate violence and gain access to basic human service and educational needs. The MFNH has evolved to address the changing needs of the Area IV community and provides needed services to over 4,000 constituents—many of the most vulnerable residents of Cambridge. Microsoft volunteers will be working on painting projects, organizing the MFNH school programs room and helping staff the community BBQ event.
Root Cause
Root Cause is a nonprofit research and consulting firm that partners with nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and business to advance solutions to today’s toughest social issues. Microsoft volunteers will be helping to prepare for the Social Innovation Forum 2011-2012 selection process.
Science Club for Girls
Science Club for Girls mission is to increase K-12 girls’ self-confidence and literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through free programs, including hands-on learning, mentorship and leadership opportunities. Microsoft volunteers will be doing feasibility testing and quality assurance with new science and engineering activities for the K-6 grade club curricula.
The Community Art Center
Founded in 1932 by a group of local parents, the Community Art Center’s mission is to nurture children and young adults with limited access to financial resources so they achieve personal and cultural growth, and have a positive impact on their world through joyful experiences in the arts. Microsoft volunteers will be creating signage, framing and hanging artwork, and helping during homework time.
The Community Learning Center
The Community Learning Center helps adults improve their lives and increase their community participation through educational programs and services. Microsoft volunteers will be helping to setup recently donated computers.
