Supporting Our Communities

Associate Volunteering, Drives, and Donations  

Community impact is deeply embedded in Ross’ culture, and our Associates are at the heart of it. Their commitment to giving back—through volunteering, fundraising, and donating—is a vital part of how we demonstrate our values.

In 2024, Associates came together across offices and teams to support children and families through a wide range of efforts, including volunteering, drives, and donations.

Volunteering

Volunteering brings Associates together to strengthen communities and build connections. In 2024, we saw an increase in volunteer hours, events, and participation, reflecting growing impact and engagement.

2024 Volunteer Highlights:

  • Ongoing and Team-Based Volunteer Events: Throughout the year, Associates across office locations came together—individually and as teams—to lend their time to our nonprofit partners in meaningful ways. From tutoring and reading with youth to food distribution, gardening, kit building, and seasonal activities like gift wrapping and card-making, these hands-on events strengthened our community connections and brought our Associates closer together.
  • Intern Service Day: 133 interns participated in a dedicated day of service, helping to host summer field day activities for students and create supply and comfort kits for parents of young children. Through these events, we introduced the next generation of Ross leaders to our culture of community support.
  • CommUnity Network Collaborations: Our CommUnity Networks helped drive impact. The Black/African American CommUnity Network (BLAAC @ Ross) hosted an online school supply registry for Boys & Girls Club students, while the military CommUnity Network (VALOR @ Ross) organized multiple Red Cross supply kit packing events for veterans and military families.
  • Strategic Support: We deepened our impact by connecting volunteers with valued Regional Giving Program grantees. Our Associates also mobilized quickly to support disaster relief and recovery efforts in communities affected by hurricanes and wildfires.
  • Integrated Engagement: In 2024, community impact was infused into many Company events and celebrations. At the dd’s DISCOUNTS 20th Anniversary celebrations, Associates decorated and donated bookmarks to First Book. At our New York Buying Office holiday celebration, Associates created and distributed blanket bears for children in need. During our Field Leader Conference, leaders wrote personal messages in books donated to local partners.

Drives and Donations

Donation drives and fundraisers are powerful ways for Associates to offer their support and make a tangible impact in their communities.

2024 Giving Highlights: 

  • Seasonal Collection Drives: Associates rallied around key moments throughout the year, donating hundreds of items, like books, school supplies, warm coats, food, and holiday gifts to benefit partners including Boys & Girls Clubs, Good+Foundation, and Educational Alliance.
  • In-Store Fundraisers: Associates played a key role in the success of our 10th Annual “Help Local Kids Thrive” Fundraiser and 15th Annual “Youth Literacy Fundraiser” by energizing Store teams, engaging Customers, and helping to raise more than $5.3 million combined for BGCA and First Book.
  • Matching Gift Program: Through our Matching Gift Program, Associates amplified their personal giving. In 2024, Associates participating in the Matching Gift Program donated to more than 500 diverse nonprofits across the country.