Beyond the Office: How Northstar Employees Are Giving Back
July 2026
On a hot summer day in Boston, a group of Northstar employees gathered not on a construction site, but on the warehouse floor at the Greater Boston Food Bank, packing boxes, sorting donations, and helping prepare thousands of meals for distribution across Eastern Massachusetts. Working in an assembly-line style, our team moved quickly to pack as much as possible in a single shift, knowing each box would soon reach individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Instead of our usual early mornings on job sites, we traded hard hats for hairnets and spent the day supporting an organization that makes a meaningful difference in communities across the region.
For many of us, it was not just about volunteering. It was about building connections with our communities and one another while finding a shared sense of purpose. That purpose is at the heart of Northstar’s approach to community engagement.
Building a Culture of Giving Back
When we created Northstar’s Charitable Committee, we wanted giving back to become an integral part of our company’s identity. We wanted to create opportunities for employees to support causes close to their hearts while also building stronger connections with our colleagues and communities.
As Chair of the Charitable Committee, I see my role as bringing energy, listening to our team, and understanding what inspires people to get involved. Everyone has different passions and personal experiences, and we want to embrace that.
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of volunteer and fundraising opportunities that allow employees to get involved in ways that are meaningful to them. These include supporting organizations like the Greater Boston Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, as well as participating in events such as the Special Olympics, Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk, Movember, Karaoke for a Kause, and KO for Cancer.
Why Giving Back Matters
My passion for giving back started long before my time at Northstar. For as long as I can remember, my mom and dad have been volunteering in our community. They always taught me how important it was to give back in any way we could because one day, you could be the person who needs a hand.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with more than 20 charitable organizations, and those experiences have shaped my approach to leading this committee. One of the biggest things I have learned is that not everyone’s charitable passions are the same, and that’s okay. What matters is listening to our employees and finding what motivates them to want to make a difference.
For me, the most rewarding part of charitable work is seeing and feeling the difference you can make in someone else’s life. It’s hard to put it into words or measure, but you know it when you experience it.
The Impact Behind the Events
The events we participate in are special for many different reasons. Every time we volunteer, I walk away reminded of why this work matters.
Our involvement with the Special Olympics is one example that stands out to me. The athletes are incredible competitors, but what is equally inspiring is their appreciation for our time and support. Seeing their energy, determination, and excitement reminds you that your involvement truly matters.
Events like the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk are just as meaningful. Being surrounded by individuals who are currently fighting cancer, those who have overcome it, and those who continue to show up in support of loved ones creates a powerful sense of community. The strength and resilience of everyone involved is incredibly inspiring.
Supporting Employees Beyond Volunteer Events
To me, giving back at Northstar also extends beyond organized volunteer opportunities. Our matching gift program is another important way we support employees’ personal philanthropy.
The matching gift program empowers employees to amplify their impact by helping their contributions go further and supporting the causes that matter most to them. We want to continue raising awareness around this program so every employee understands how they can maximize their impact.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, we’re excited to make it even easier for everyone to get involved. This means offering more diverse volunteer opportunities, creating options that accommodate different schedules, increasing awareness of programs like our matching gift initiative, and continuing to build strong relationships with community organizations.
Giving back at Northstar is all about people. We’re a small company with big hearts, and when everyone comes together to help others, we can create real change in the communities we call home.
About the Author
Andrew Pace is an Owner’s Project Manager with more than 14 years of experience in the construction industry. His portfolio includes ground-up construction projects and extensive experience supporting owner-occupied buildings across the commercial sector, including life sciences and higher education. 
