United Way
The United Way is a national charity that distributes funding to individuals and communities in need across the United States. It consists of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people's lives. Common focus areas include helping children succeed, promoting self-sufficiency, strengthening families, empowering adults with disabilities and preserving our safety net.
For over 30 years FedEx and the United Way have worked together to make a difference in people’s lives. FedEx is proud of its long-standing relationship with the United Way. Like FedEx, the United Way is committed to building strong local communities. In 2007, FedEx and our team members gave nearly $16 million to the United Way. We continue our commitment to the United Way through initiatives such as the “Loaned Executive” program, for which FedEx team members work for the United Way for a three-month period to lend their knowledge and expertise. Our efforts with the United Way go back to 1975. In 2003, we received the Spirit of America Award, which honors a company that exemplifies corporate responsibility.
FedEx Cares Week
Each fall, FedEx team members participate in FedEx Cares Week, a weeklong volunteer event that benefits local communities and the United Way. Throughout the week, communities across the country host days of service, allowing more than 2,100 FedEx team members to volunteer their time. Projects range from refurbishing and beautifying local agencies, building playgrounds, and painting child-care centers, to sorting and organizing donated food items at local food banks. Events have been held in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New York, Newark, Oakland, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
Alternative Spring Break Program
For the past three years, FedEx has supported the United Way’s Alternative Spring Break program. In 2008, more than 500 young adults dedicated a week to help rebuild three communities. In Detroit, Mich., volunteers worked in conjunction with local partners on such critical tasks as providing affordable housing, improving child-care centers, and building ramps to provide people with disabilities a safe means of leaving and returning to their homes. In Hancock County, Miss., volunteers helped rebuild homes impacted by Hurricane Katrina and in Lake Charles, La., volunteers focused rebuilding efforts on homes destroyed by Hurricane Rita.
Loaned Executives (LEs)
Every year FedEx selects employees to participate in the Loaned Executive program. The three-month program lets employees assist fundraising efforts at their local United Way. FedEx has "loaned" over 550 LEs since the program started six years ago. Thank you Loaned Executives for supporting your local United Way and helping educate FedEx employees on what matters in our communities.
