Berkshire Bank Employees Volunteer During Xtraordinary Week of Service

SPRINGFIELD — As part of Berkshire Bank’s signature week of community service, 700 employees volunteered with 31 nonprofits to help lift up the places they live and work during the bank’s Xtraordinary Week (X Week) of giving back, which took place June 9-13.

Employees participated in more than 35 projects to help address issues like hunger and homelessness and aim to enhance the future well-being of those who live in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

In the Pioneer Valley, employees volunteered with the Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center in Springfield, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts in Chicopee, and White Oak School in Westfield.

“Giving back is a core part of who we are as a company because we believe that lasting impact starts with local action,” said Lori Kiely, managing director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “Throughout X Week, our employees helped build stronger, more resilient communities — and stronger connections with one another.”

Named for the X in its logo, Berkshire’s award-winning XTEAM Employee Volunteer and Giving Program is a central element of its workplace culture, providing employees with an easy way to put its corporate values into action and help each of its communities realize its full potential.

Berkshire employees also actively volunteer throughout the year. They achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024: 100% volunteered in their communities through more than 250 company-sponsored projects with more than 11,500 hours of service. In addition to the hours contributed through X Week, all Berkshire employees are eligible for up to 16 hours of paid time off annually to volunteer with nonprofits of their choice.