Draft score · Strong fitDave's ideaLower confidence
Give a children's hospital a video wall
A children's hospital (not picked yet)
Lower confidence: No hospital is picked yet, and nothing has been researched.
We could give a children's hospital a video wall, design what it shows, and learn about the hospital. Dave shared this idea at our October 8 all-company meeting.
What it is
- A video wall system, given as a gift to a children's hospital.
- Content for the wall, designed for that hospital.
- Time spent learning about the hospital.
Who it helps
- Kids at a children's hospital.
What THOR would do
- We could design the wall and the content it shows.
- We could ask the hospital what it needs before we pick a wall.
- We could ask who would set up the wall and keep it running.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not set yet
- Time
- Not set yet
- Cost
- Not set yet
Check before we commit: Which hospital, what it needs, the wall size and budget, and who sets up and supports the wall.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 5 | We give a video wall we know well and use our own skills to make content for it. |
| I Impact | 4 | One wall could cheer many kids and families for years, but size and support are still unknown. |
| V Values | 5 | It lets us show Thoughtfulness, Oneness, and Reliability by giving a well-made wall to kids who need it. |
| E Education | 3 | Dave says we would learn about the hospital, but how much we learn is not yet clear. |
| S Societal Benefit | 3 | Sick children are a group in real need, but a screen brings comfort more than it meets a basic need. |
| Total | 20 / 25 | Strong fit |
Sources
Dave's idea, shared at our October 8 all-company meeting. No outside sources yet.
Draft score · Strong fit
Give mock interviews for BrookLynk youth
BrookLynk (Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center) · Brooklyn Park, MN
BrookLynk helps local young people get ready for jobs. We could give them mock interviews (practice job interviews). We could also look at hosting a paid summer intern.
What it is
- The Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center run this youth job program.
- It sets up paid summer internships of 6 to 10 weeks with local employers.
- Professionals give youth practice interviews and feedback. Youth who want an internship must do one.
- Local professionals help lead its Get Ready! job training.
Who it helps
- Young people who live in or go to school in Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center.
- They face a barrier to work and are not yet in college.
What THOR would do
- We could send a few of us to give mock interviews.
- We could ask to help lead a Get Ready! session about tech and AV jobs.
- We could ask about hosting a paid summer intern.
- We could ask if they want a tour of our office. Their site does not list tours.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Not stated on their site. Who pays intern wages is not stated.
- Time
- Internships last 6 to 10 weeks. Time for a mock interview volunteer is not stated.
- How to sign up
- No online form. The Become an Employer page has a Contact Us button that opens an email.
Check before we commit: Mock interview dates, place and sign-up are not posted, so ask BrookLynk. Youth dates posted for 2027: Get Ready! applications January 4 to March 31, and summer internship applications February 1 to March 31. The site lists different youth age ranges on different pages, so confirm them. Ask who pays intern wages.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 4 | Staff give time and real work know-how as mock interviewers, and we could host a paid intern. |
| I Impact | 4 | Mock interviews are required for internships, and the program shows clear counts, like 77 paid internships in 2026. |
| V Values | 4 | Kind, honest feedback fits Thoughtfulness and Honesty, and sharing what we know fits Oneness. |
| E Education | 4 | Staff meet local youth face to face and learn what blocks them from getting work. |
| S Societal Benefit | 4 | It serves local youth who face barriers to getting a job. |
| Total | 20 / 25 | Strong fit |
Sources
Draft score · Strong fitLower confidence
Refurbish computers with PCs for People
PCs for People · St. Paul, MN
Lower confidence: Their site does not say a group can volunteer together. The scores assume one can.
PCs for People fixes up used computers. Then they give them to people with low income at a low price. We could help fix computers, and send them our old office electronics.
What it is
- They give refurbished (fixed and cleaned) computers to eligible people at low prices.
- They also offer low-cost internet, computer skills training, and tech support.
- Volunteers take apart, test, clean, and set up computers, and help at events.
- Businesses can get a free pickup of old electronics. Good devices are fixed and given away.
Who it helps
- People, families, and nonprofits with low income who qualify.
What THOR would do
- We could ask if a group of us can do a refurbishing or take-apart shift. Their site does not say groups are accepted.
- We could clear out our old laptops and monitors and book a free pickup.
- We could pair the pickup with a volunteer shift, so we give time and not only items.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Business e-waste pickup is free. Volunteer cost: not stated on their site.
- Time
- Volunteer shift length: not stated on their site. Pickups are usually set 1 to 2 weeks out.
- How to sign up
- Volunteers fill out the Volunteer Interest Form. Pickups use the Schedule a Pickup page.
Check before we commit: Ask if a group can volunteer together, and what shifts are open. Confirm where the shift would be: their site lists two St. Paul addresses. Ask which of our old items they will take.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 4 | Testing and fixing computers fits our tech skills, and we can give old gear, but group shifts are not confirmed. |
| I Impact | 4 | Fixed computers go to low-income families, and businesses can get reports that show the good done. |
| V Values | 4 | Fixing tech for others fits Reliability, and sharing our tech know-how fits Oneness. |
| E Education | 4 | Staff would see how families without computers or internet get left behind. |
| S Societal Benefit | 4 | It gets computers to low-income families who need them. |
| Total | 20 / 25 | Strong fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fitLower confidence
Give our work skills to Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland · Brooklyn Park, MN
Lower confidence: We have not seen their list of open projects yet. The scores assume one fits our skills.
Second Harvest Heartland is a food bank in our own city. Besides packing food, they ask professionals to help with special projects for free. We would do skilled work that helps their staff get more done.
What it is
- Pro bono means free work done with your job skills.
- Their pro bono projects help staff teams add capacity, build skills, and work more efficiently.
- Staff match each volunteer to a project that fits their skills.
- Ongoing roles, including skill-based ones, ask for at least 3 months.
Who it helps
- People facing hunger, served through the Second Harvest Heartland network.
- The food bank staff teams, who get extra hands and know-how.
What THOR would do
- We could look at their open projects and pick one that fits our skills.
- We could offer a warehouse or logistics process review, if they want one.
- We could offer to help make a training video. They have not asked for this.
- We could pair this with a team packing shift at the same place.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site for pro bono projects
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- No minimum stated for pro bono projects. Ongoing roles ask for at least 3 months.
- How to sign up
- Use the View Openings button under Pro Bono Projects on their volunteer page.
Check before we commit: Which projects are open now, how much time each one needs, and whether a company team can take one. Also ask how a company applies.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 4 | Pro bono means giving real work skills for free, but we have not yet seen their list of open projects. |
| I Impact | 4 | Their pro bono projects build lasting staff skills, so a little time can go far. |
| V Values | 4 | Solving a real work problem fits Reliability, and sharing what we know fits Oneness. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff learn how a food bank works, but with less direct contact with people in need. |
| S Societal Benefit | 4 | It helps a big local food bank that fights hunger across the region. |
| Total | 19 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fit
Build a home with Twin Cities Habitat
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity · Twin Cities metro, MN
Habitat builds and fixes homes for families. A team spends a full day on a home with Habitat staff. No building skills are needed. Habitat gives the tools and training.
What it is
- Groups build or rehab (fix up) an affordable home for a full day.
- Other choices are home repairs for low-income homeowners, and Women Build.
- Habitat staff train the group on site and give all tools.
- Everyone wears closed-toe, closed-heel shoes.
Who it helps
- Working families buying an affordable home.
- Low-income homeowners who need repairs.
What THOR would do
- We could send a team of 8 to 15 people for one build day.
- We could ask if our install and warehouse staff can be Crew Leaders. Habitat says a group may bring its own Crew Leaders, who each lead 4 to 5 volunteers.
- We could name one person as our main contact, and one as our On-Site Coordinator. Habitat asks for both.
- We could pay the workday sponsorship as part of the project.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Groups of 10 or more book as a group. Groups of 2 to 9 join open individual spots. Habitat suggests 8 to 15 for a homebuilding day.
- Minimum age
- 16 on build and repair sites. Youth ages 16 and 17 need one adult crew leader for every four youth. Adult supervisors must be 21 or older.
- Cost
- Groups sponsor their workday. The Groups page lists $3,000 encouraged for Homebuilding, $3,000 for home repair, and $1,500 for Women Build. The FAQ says it is required in summer and flexible in winter.
- Time
- Full day. Homebuilding runs 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Home repair runs 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- How to sign up
- Use the Schedule now button on the Groups page for homebuilding. Other projects use the Express interest form on the same page.
Check before we commit: Confirm the sponsorship amount, and if it is required in the season we pick. Dates are set with a Habitat contact, so ask what is open. The build site is not guaranteed to be near us.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 3 | We give a full day of labor and skilled staff can lead crews, but a cash gift is expected. |
| I Impact | 4 | A day of building adds to a real home for a family, which lasts for years. |
| V Values | 4 | Building together as a team fits Oneness, and caring for others fits Thoughtfulness. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff learn some about the need for affordable homes. |
| S Societal Benefit | 4 | It helps working families get affordable homes. |
| Total | 18 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fitLower confidence
Mentor the Park Center High robotics team
Park Center Senior High robotics (Osseo Area Schools) · Brooklyn Park, MN
Lower confidence: The team has not posted a call for mentors. The scores assume it wants our help.
Park Center High School is in our city. Its students build robots for FIRST contests (student robot leagues). We could offer to help as mentors. The team has not posted a call for mentors.
What it is
- Park Center has a FIRST Robotics Competition team: team 3291, the Au Pirates. It started in 2010.
- Park Center students also run FIRST Tech Challenge teams (a smaller robot league).
- In 2026, team 3291 won the Imagery Award at the North Star Regional.
- The school district lists robotics, IT and work-based learning among its career classes.
Who it helps
- High school students at Park Center Senior High in Brooklyn Park.
- The school is part of Osseo Area Schools (ISD 279).
What THOR would do
- We could offer mentors for wiring, power and code.
- We could lend a mic and screen kit for team events, if they want it.
- We could offer a tour of our office or a career talk on AV and LED jobs.
- FIRST in Upper Midwest offers mentor training (JUMPSTART) we could take first.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Not stated on their site. Mentoring a team usually lasts a full season, so it is a bigger ask than one day.
- How to sign up
- No sign-up found. The first step is to ask the school. FIRST mentor training is on the FIRST in Upper Midwest training page.
Check before we commit: Ask Park Center if the team wants mentors or gear, because no ask is posted. FIRST says the 2027 season kickoff is Saturday, January 9, 2027. Team 3291 lists the Granite City Regional, April 7 to 10, 2027, in St. Cloud. These dates can change. Ask what safety screening mentors need.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 5 | Our engineers would teach wiring, code and design, and lend real gear. That is skill and time, not cash. |
| I Impact | 3 | Mentors could help students a lot, but it takes weeks of time and no need is confirmed. |
| V Values | 5 | Sharing what we know with kids and solving build problems fits Oneness and Reliability very well. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff would learn some about local students and school needs, but it is not a hard social issue. |
| S Societal Benefit | 2 | It helps local high school students, but the facts do not show they are a group in need. |
| Total | 18 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fit
Run a supply drive for Brooklyn Avenues
Avenues for Youth (Brooklyn Avenues) · Brooklyn Park, MN
Avenues gives young people without a home a safe place to stay. Brooklyn Avenues is their house in Brooklyn Park. We could collect supplies they need and ask how our tech skills might help.
What it is
- Brooklyn Avenues is a shelter and transitional housing program in Brooklyn Park.
- Transitional housing means a longer stay while youth get back on their feet.
- It is open 24 hours a day.
- Avenues asks for supply drives, help around the house, and skill-based help from companies.
Who it helps
- Minnesota youth who have no home, and their children.
- Avenues says it serves youth ages 16 to 24 across its programs.
What THOR would do
- We could run a supply drive at our office for items on their wish lists.
- We could ask about their Skill-Based Volunteering, since they invite companies with technical skills to get in touch.
- We could help with grounds work, stocking the storeroom, or building welcome baskets.
- We could ask if a TV or sound setup would help. No such need is posted, so we ask first.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- No sign-up form. Groups contact Avenues' Corporate and Community Engagement Manager, listed on the Volunteer page.
Check before we commit: Contact Avenues before any drive to learn the most needed items. They do not take drop-offs without a set time. Their pages disagree on whether clothing is accepted. Their pages also give different ages and bed counts for Brooklyn Avenues. Ask which site the volunteer tasks are for, and what screening or privacy rules apply on site.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 3 | A supply drive is mostly goods; they invite tech skills, but no tech need is posted. |
| I Impact | 3 | A drive meets real needs for a small home of about 12 youth, but tech help is unconfirmed. |
| V Values | 4 | Caring for homeless youth with respect and privacy fits Thoughtfulness well. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff learn about youth homelessness, but a drive gives little direct contact. |
| S Societal Benefit | 5 | It helps local youth who have no home, one of the most at-risk groups near us. |
| Total | 18 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fit
Help at CEAP's food market and Toys for Joy
CEAP (Community Emergency Assistance Program) · Brooklyn Center, MN
CEAP helps neighbors in Brooklyn Center, right next to Brooklyn Park. They run a food market where people get food. Small groups help stock shelves and carry food to cars. In December, they hand out toys.
What it is
- Food Market groups sort and restock food, pack orders, greet people, and carry orders to cars.
- Groups can also make kits, like birthday bags, snack packs, new parent packages, and hygiene kits.
- Kit making can happen at CEAP or somewhere else.
- Seasonal work: food sorting in April and November, and Toys for Joy toy handout in December.
Who it helps
- Neighbors who use the CEAP Food Market and other programs, including seniors and children.
What THOR would do
- We could send one or two Food Market groups of 4 to 8 people.
- We could host a kit-making day at our office, if CEAP is open to that.
- We could help sort or set up during the Toys for Joy push in December.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Food Market groups of 4 to 8. Larger groups are asked to contact CEAP.
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Shift length not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- No online form. Their group volunteering page says to email CEAP to schedule a session.
Check before we commit: Toys for Joy dates for 2026 and whether groups can help. Also confirm Food Market shift times and length (an older note listed two-hour shifts, but their site does not say). Ask how much lead time they need, and whether a kit build at our office works for them.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 2 | It is plain volunteer time with no special skills from us. |
| I Impact | 3 | Shifts help neighbors get food and toys now, but short shifts leave little that lasts. |
| V Values | 3 | Kind service to neighbors fits Thoughtfulness, but not our other values much. |
| E Education | 4 | Staff greet and help neighbors at the food market, so they see real need up close. |
| S Societal Benefit | 5 | It directly helps nearby neighbors in need with food, and kids with holiday toys. |
| Total | 17 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fitLower confidence
Teach an LED wall class at Hennepin Tech
Hennepin Technical College · Brooklyn Park, MN
Lower confidence: The college has not said it wants a guest class. The scores assume it does.
Hennepin Technical College trains adults for audio and video jobs. We could teach a class session on LED video walls. There is no posted program, so this starts with a talk with the college.
What it is
- The college has a Media and Communications department.
- Its programs include Audio Production and Interactive Design and Video Production.
- Audio Production is listed at the Eden Prairie campus. Industry pros advise the department on what employers need.
- A news post from Symetrix (an audio gear maker) says that in 2024 the college looked for a partner to help launch an AV Design and Install program.
Who it helps
- Adult students training for audio, live sound, media and AV install jobs.
What THOR would do
- We could teach a lab session on how to set up and tune (calibrate) an LED video wall.
- We could host a student tour of our Brooklyn Park office.
- We could lend a demo LED panel or head-worn mics for a lab, if they want it.
- We could ask if their industry advisory group has room for us.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- No sign-up found. Start with the general contact options on the Media and Communications department page.
Check before we commit: Ask the department if they want a guest session, and which campus would host it. Ask if they can take loaned or donated gear. Class schedules and programs change.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 5 | Teaching LED wall setup and lending panels uses skills and gear only a company like ours has. |
| I Impact | 3 | One or two lab days could shape careers, but HTC has not said it wants this yet. |
| V Values | 5 | Teaching our craft and solving real setup problems fits Oneness and Reliability closely. |
| E Education | 2 | We teach more than we learn; there is little here about a social problem. |
| S Societal Benefit | 2 | It helps adult tech students, but the facts do not show they are a group in need. |
| Total | 17 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fit
Pack food at Second Harvest Heartland
Second Harvest Heartland · Brooklyn Park, MN
Second Harvest Heartland is a big food bank in Brooklyn Park, our own city. Groups come in to sort and pack food. We would go as a team for one shift.
What it is
- Volunteers sort and pack food in a group shift.
- Shifts are in Brooklyn Park.
- Their headquarters is at 7101 Winnetka Ave N, Brooklyn Park. All their operations are now there.
Who it helps
- People facing hunger, served through the Second Harvest Heartland network.
- Their page also names help with SNAP (government food aid) applications and senior food boxes.
What THOR would do
- We could send a team for one shift this quarter.
- We could invite family members, since kids 8 and up can pack.
- We could offer one skills project on top, but only if they want it.
Time and cost
- Group size
- At least 2 people. No maximum is posted.
- Minimum age
- 8 and older
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Shift length not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- Use the Sign Up button on their Group Volunteers page.
Check before we commit: Shift dates, times, and open spots. These change often. Also confirm the largest group size, the rules for anyone under 18, and any shoe or dress rules. If we want a holiday shift, check openings early.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 2 | It is one plain packing shift with no special skills from us. |
| I Impact | 3 | One shift helps, but no meal counts were read and it is a one-time effort. |
| V Values | 3 | Working side by side builds Oneness, but it does not use our other values much. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff see some of the local food system, but the facts show no set learning part. |
| S Societal Benefit | 4 | It helps people facing hunger in our area. |
| Total | 15 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Good fitLower confidence
Pack meals at Feed My Starving Children
Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) · Coon Rapids, MN
Lower confidence: Where the meals go is not confirmed. An older note says they go to other countries.
Feed My Starving Children packs meals for hungry children. Their Coon Rapids site is near Brooklyn Park. Groups book a time and pack meals together. It is easy to plan and fun as a team.
What it is
- Groups pack meals in a booked session at the Coon Rapids site.
- Address: 401 93rd Ave NW, Coon Rapids.
- A reservation is required.
- Business groups are welcome, as are friends, family, schools, and churches.
Who it helps
- Hungry children served through FMSC's meal partners.
What THOR would do
- We could book one session for the whole team as a team day.
- We could invite family members, following their age and adult rules.
- We could hold a short talk after, where people share what they learned.
- We could give a group donation on top. Their site says giving is optional.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- No children under 5 in the packing area. Anyone under 18 must be with an adult.
- Cost
- No fee stated. Fundraising is not required. Each volunteer is asked to consider a donation.
- Time
- Session length not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- Reserve a session on their volunteer page, through the group and session search.
Check before we commit: Open session times, site hours, and how many people fit in one session. These change often. Also confirm how long a session lasts. An older note said about 2 hours, but their site does not say.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 2 | It is one plain packing shift with no special skills from us. |
| I Impact | 3 | Packing is fast and easy to plan, but meal counts were not read and it is one session. |
| V Values | 4 | The whole team, and family too, can pack side by side, which builds Oneness, and caring for hungry kids fits Thoughtfulness. |
| E Education | 3 | Staff would learn some about child hunger, but contact is only through packing. |
| S Societal Benefit | 3 | It helps hungry children. An older note says the meals go abroad, not to our community, so we should confirm. |
| Total | 15 / 25 | Good fit |
Sources
Draft score · Weaker fit
Host an e-waste collection day with Repowered
Repowered (formerly Tech Dump) · St. Paul, MN
Repowered recycles and fixes old electronics. It gives jobs and training to adults who have a hard time finding work. We could host a day for people to drop off old electronics.
What it is
- Repowered is a nonprofit that recycles and refurbishes (fixes and resells) electronics.
- It used to be called Tech Dump.
- It runs collection events at companies, open to the public or private.
- It also picks up electronics from businesses in the Twin Cities.
Who it helps
- Adults facing barriers to work, such as people with justice-system experience or in recovery.
- People and businesses who need a safe way to get rid of old electronics.
What THOR would do
- We could host a collection event at our office for our team and neighbors.
- We could clear out our old office and lab electronics at the same time.
- We could ask if they take LED panels, microphones, and cables.
- Their site lists no volunteer or tour program, so this is mainly a giving-goods idea.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Not stated on their site
- Cost
- Some items cost money to recycle, such as power cords, TVs, and printers. Many businesses qualify for free pickup, based on how many laptops or desktops they recycle. Event terms: not stated on their site.
- Time
- Not stated on their site
- How to sign up
- Fill in the business recycling request form. A specialist then reaches out.
Check before we commit: Ask about the terms and fees for hosting an event. Confirm their location: the only address on their site is in St. Paul, and an older Golden Valley address is not confirmed. Confirm hours, which items they take, and how many computers qualify for free pickup.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 2 | We would mostly hand over old gear and plan a drop-off; they have no volunteer program. |
| I Impact | 3 | Recycling keeps waste out and supports jobs, but our office would give only a small amount. |
| V Values | 3 | Getting rid of old gear the right way fits Thoughtfulness in part, but not our other values much. |
| E Education | 2 | No tours or learning time are offered, so staff learn little. |
| S Societal Benefit | 3 | It supports jobs for people with a hard past, but our part is small. |
| Total | 13 / 25 | Weaker fit |
Sources
Draft score · Weaker fit
Crew a Minnesota FIRST robotics contest
FIRST Robotics Competition in MN and Dakotas (FIRST in Upper Midwest) · Twin Cities area, MN
FIRST holds big high school robot contests each spring. Each contest needs many volunteers. A few of us could work as crew, like resetting the field between matches.
What it is
- A regional is a robot contest that runs over several days.
- FIRST's national volunteer list includes field reset, queuing, pit, emcee and photo roles. The Minnesota pages do not say which roles each contest uses.
- FIRST has an Audio Visual Crew role, but its page says that role is only at district events. Minnesota holds regionals.
- You sign up with a FIRST account.
Who it helps
- High school robotics teams and students at the contest.
- The local FIRST group serves Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
What THOR would do
- We could sign up as Field Resetters, who put game pieces back between matches.
- We could sign up as Queuers, who move teams to the right place on time.
- We could ask the local group if they want help with sound, screens or the webcast.
- We could pick a contest near the Twin Cities, such as Minnetonka or the State Fairgrounds.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not stated on their site
- Minimum age
- Depends on the role. Field Resetter: 13 at regionals. Queuer: 13, with 15 preferred. Audio Visual Crew: 18 recommended.
- Cost
- Not stated on their site
- Time
- Depends on the role. Field Resetter: at least 1 full day, with 3 preferred at regionals. Queuer: at least 3 full days at regionals.
- How to sign up
- Make a FIRST account and use the Register to Volunteer button on the FIRST volunteer page. Find the event in FIRST's event search. Read the Volunteer Handbook.
Check before we commit: The 2027 dates, the venues, which roles are open, and how much time each role needs. Posted 2027 Twin Cities dates: 10,000 Lakes Regional, March 24 to 27, at Warner Coliseum; North Star Regional, March 31 to April 3, at Royals Athletic Complex in Minnetonka. Ask when volunteer sign-up opens, whether a company group can sign up together, and what screening is needed.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 3 | We give time, but the AV crew job is only at other event types, so our skills may go unused. |
| I Impact | 2 | A day or two helps one event run; the lasting result is small. |
| V Values | 3 | Helping an event run smoothly fits Reliability in part, but there is little chance to share our know-how, which is Oneness. |
| E Education | 2 | Staff learn about robotics events, not much about a social problem. |
| S Societal Benefit | 2 | It helps students do robotics, but not a group in clear need. |
| Total | 12 / 25 | Weaker fit |
Sources
Draft score · Weaker fitDave's ideaLower confidence
Give some of our extra stock to a church
A church (not picked yet)
Lower confidence: No church or items are picked yet, and nothing has been researched.
We could give some of our extra stock to a church. Dave shared this idea at our October 8 all-company meeting.
What it is
- A gift of some of our extra stock to a church.
- Which items, and how many, are not picked yet.
Who it helps
- A church and the people it serves.
What THOR would do
- We could pick items the church can really use.
- We could ask if the church needs help to set the items up.
Time and cost
- Group size
- Not set yet
- Time
- Not set yet
- Cost
- Not set yet
Check before we commit: Which church, which items, and whether the church can use them. Also ask if they need help to set them up.
Score, line by line
| Rubric line | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| G Generosity | 2 | We give extra stock instead of cash, but no team time or skills are part of the idea. |
| I Impact | 2 | It helps one church, but we do not know yet if they can use or set up the extra stock. |
| V Values | 3 | Giving to a church fits Oneness and Thoughtfulness in part, but the team does little hands-on work. |
| E Education | 1 | Handing over items teaches our team almost nothing new about a social need. |
| S Societal Benefit | 2 | A church can serve its neighbors, but no clear group in need is named yet. |
| Total | 10 / 25 | Weaker fit |
Sources
Dave's idea, shared at our October 8 all-company meeting. No outside sources yet.
More ideas for later
We found these in a fresh search today. We have not scored them yet. The committee can score any of them with the same rubric, or keep them on the list for a later quarter.
- Run a JA BizTown or Finance Park dayJunior Achievement North · St. PaulCompany teams guide students through a pretend town (BizTown) or a money-skills day (Finance Park). Groups of up to 72 people can take part, based on program needs. Plan about 5 hours, training included. Minimum age: 14 for BizTown, 18 for Finance Park.
- Help at a Boys & Girls ClubBoys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities · Twin Cities club sitesGroups of 2 to 15 help with small club projects. Bigger work projects, like painting or landscaping, take up to 50 people, and 25 or fewer is preferred.
- Cook a meal for families at Ronald McDonald HouseRonald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest · Minneapolis and St. PaulA small team cooks and serves a meal for families whose child is in the hospital. Volunteers must be 14 or older. Group size depends on the site, from up to 4 to up to 20. If the House plans the meal, the group gives $250 to $500. If the group plans it, the group buys the food.
- Make meals and kits for youth without a homeHOPE 4 Youth · AnokaGroups can help with meals, donations, events or cleaning for young people who have no stable home.
- Adopt a Brooklyn Park parkCity of Brooklyn Park · Brooklyn ParkA team adopts a city park and picks up litter there. Groups can also sign up for just one day.
- Help at a Brooklyn Park city eventCity of Brooklyn Park · Brooklyn ParkThe city runs events like Tater Daze. Businesses can sponsor them, and some sponsor packages include a table at the event. Some other city events take in-kind gifts (donated goods or services).
- Do a yard work day for an older adultSenior Community Services · Serves Hennepin, Sherburne and Wright CountiesA group does a one-time yard work project, at least 2 hours, at the home of an older adult.
- Build move-in kits for veteransMinnesota Assistance Council for Veterans · Twin Cities (work sites not stated)Groups put together move-in kits or give holiday gifts to veterans and their families.
- Pull invasive plants in a parkThree Rivers Park District · Suburban parksA group removes plants that crowd out native ones, with training at the start. Groups of 10 or more can ask for their own date. Volunteers must be 10 or older, and youth 10 to 16 need an adult with them.
How we scored
We used Nicole's THOR GIVES rubric, from the THOR GIVES Framework and Evaluation Criteria slides (October 2026). It scores each project from 1 to 5 on five lines. The total is out of 25. The rubric says the highest totals get picked each quarter.
- G · Generosity
Can we contribute our skills, time, and specific operational ideas (not just pure cash)?
- I · Impact
Is there a high 'social ROI' where our operational efforts make a measurable, real dent?
- V · Values
Does this specific project let our team members flex our defined corporate core values?
- E · Education
Will our team members walk away significantly smarter or more aware of a critical social issue?
- S · Societal Benefit
Does this directly and meaningfully impact the broader vulnerable community outside our office?
What each number means. The rubric does not say what each number means. So we used this scale:
- 5: a full, clear yes
- 4: mostly yes
- 3: partly
- 2: a little
- 1: barely, or not at all
For the Values line, we used THOR's four core values:
- Thoughtfulness: thoughtful and respectful in what we say and do.
- Honesty: integrity and transparency.
- Oneness: sharing what we know, and building unity with God, family, friends and community.
- Reliability: solution-minded in our products and service.
Each idea was scored three separate times. Each line shows the middle of the three scores. On every line, the three scores were within 1 point of each other.
Lower confidence means a score depends on something we have not confirmed yet. The reason is listed with the idea.
Two ideas are marked Dave's idea. Dave shared them at our October 8 all-company meeting. No church or hospital is picked yet, so they have no outside sources.
Ideas with the same total are listed A to Z by name. The scores are drafts for the committee to discuss and change.
These are draft scores to start the talk. The committee makes the final call.
Sources and notes
- Most facts come from each group's own website, read on October 20, 2026. A few come from partner pages, like FIRST's event pages and a news post from Symetrix (an audio gear maker). Each researched idea links to its sources.
- Schedules, openings, rules, and costs change. Check with the group before we commit.
- No group has been contacted yet. Nothing is booked or promised.
- AI tools did the research and the three draft scorings. The facts were then checked against the linked sources.