Some of the most meaningful moments don’t happen in the office.
On a Saturday morning in July, a group of Team TGT Global employees gathered in Payatas with boxes of school supplies, food, and activity materials. They weren’t there for a company event or a business meeting. They were there to spend the day with children from the Payatas Orione Foundation as they prepared for a new school year.
Coming together for a new school year
Through TGT Cares, TGT’s initiative that gives employees the chance to step outside their daily roles, come together for a shared cause, and support communities through meaningful acts of service, one activity at a time.
Employees volunteered their time while others gave through in-kind and monetary donations. Together, they helped create a day full of games, laughter, shared meals, and simple moments of encouragement.
For the children, it was a chance to start the school year with a little extra support. For team TGT, it became a reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness are the ones people remember most.
A simple invitation that brought people together
Every volunteer had a different reason for joining the activity, but they all shared one thing in common. They wanted to make a positive difference, even in a small way.
For Kimberly Reyes, a member of Team TGT who volunteered during the donation drive, spending a Saturday with the children felt like an easy choice.
“I’ve always believed that if you’re in a position to help, even in a small way, it’s worth doing.
Knowing that something as simple as giving my time could help a child start the school year with a little more confidence and excitement made it an easy decision to volunteer.
It’s a reminder that kindness doesn’t always have to be big to make someone feel seen and supported.”
A day filled with shared smiles
The event was filled with laughter as volunteers spent time with the children through games and activities. While they enjoyed every challenge and celebrated every prize, the volunteers found themselves learning.
Frantseska Punio, part of the team, shared her experience:
“Facilitating the games for around 50 kids with different personalities and behaviors was initially overwhelming.
But as the activities went on, I felt elated by how energetic and participative they were. Seeing them actively engage in every game and become excited to win prizes made the experience truly fulfilling.”
Those moments became a reminder that the greatest impact often comes through simple human connection.
The kind of culture that inspires action
Culture is often described through mission statements and company values.
Sometimes, it’s better understood through the experiences of the people who live it.
Reflecting on what initiatives like this say about TGT, volunteer employee Noff Guzman said:
“Programs like this show that TGT is a company that genuinely cares. As employees, we feel valued and supported, and it’s great to see the company extend that same care to the community by supporting different organizations and contributing to meaningful causes.”
That care was equally felt by the people the team came to serve.
“One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was feeling the appreciation and gratitude expressed by both the children and the foundation. It was heartwarming to see how thankful they were for the donations and the time and effort we shared with them,” Frantseska added.
Every act of kindness becomes part of the story
The Back-to-School Donation Drive was made possible by employees who chose to volunteer, donate, and spend their day helping children begin the school year with confidence.
For Kim, the experience can be summed up in a single sentence.
“Being part of something bigger than yourself is always worth it.”
Noff shared a message for anyone thinking about joining the next TGT Cares activity.
“I’d encourage anyone to join TGT Cares activities. You’ll find fulfillment in a different sense, one that comes from giving back and connecting with others.
These activities can help you discover a side of yourself you may not have realized was there, and the happiness and purpose that come from making a difference are really rewarding.”
At TGT, giving back is part of the culture our people continue to build together. Every volunteer, every donation, and every shared moment reflects a simple belief.
When people care for one another, even the smallest act of kindness can help shape a brighter future.
Build an offshore team that cares for the community and your business.
