The Heart of Our Culture Is Rooted in Volunteerism
At Eastern, our colleagues selflessly give of their time, unique talents and skills to advance the causes they are passionate about. Our collective volunteer efforts create strong, sustainable impact in the communities where we live and work.
Pre-COVID, our colleagues donated more than 50,000 volunteer hours annually, among the most of any Massachusetts-based company. This spirit of generosity brings people together from different backgrounds through a shared interest, creating positive change and transforming lives.
Even during the pandemic, our colleagues are continuing to make a difference through their virtual involvement in a variety of organizations, from serving on nonprofit boards, to facilitating financial education workshops, to providing meals at a shelter, to sorting food and clothing, and reading to students. We are inspired by their dedication and encouraged by their impact. We look forward to a time when we can return to in-person volunteering.
Eastern Bank supports financial literacy in the communities we serve. By teaching individuals how to save, budget, spend wisely and invest, we improve the financial health and well-being of families by giving them the skills to manage their money responsibly.
Community Rooms are designated meeting areas within selected Eastern Bank branches for our customers to use. Community Rooms are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Here are a few examples of how our support shows up in the community:
Cradles to Crayons
Our colleagues loaded 150 backpacks with school basics, including personal handwritten notes and bookmarks, and a bilingual (English/Spanish) book, highlighting Latinx authors, characters, and stories. These materials were distributed to children in our communities living in low-income and homeless situations, so that they can thrive at home, school, and play. Celebrating multiculturalism and the diversity of our communities are two fundamental key elements of Eastern’s culture.
El Mundo Latino Family Festival
Our colleagues volunteer at the El Mundo Boston Newspaper Latino Family Festival at Fenway Park. With over 70 exhibitors dedicated to health and fitness, public safety and more, the annual event typically brings together 10,000-plus attendees.
Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund
Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund was born out of the idea that Veterans and their families that have been killed since September 11, 2001, are in need of some of life's basic necessities like assistance with mortgage or rent payments or medical bills for mental health issues. The biggest fundraiser and signature event is Flags on the Common. We proudly partner with Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund to honor local fallen service members by creating a Flag Garden on Boston Common for Memorial Day weekend. Each of the 37,000+ flags represents a Massachusetts service member who gave their life defending our country from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Inspiring Our Communities
Our colleagues spent countless hours writing holiday cards for military personnel overseas and words of inspiration to include in bagged lunches for women who are guests in shelters. Thousands of holiday cards and notes of inspiration were distributed.
Pride Events
Our colleagues volunteer at local Pride parades. We support, and celebrate the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and queer communities.
Road to Responsibility
Our colleagues participated as a team helping with onsite clean-up and conducting fun activities with program residents. Volunteers play an important role in Road For Responsibility’s mission to provide supportive services and create opportunities for people with disabilities. Being intentional about creating an inclusive environment helps advance Eastern’s focus on equity.
