Social
Social
People Build Businesses
At Sonoco, we believe People Build Businesses by Doing the Right Thing, whether at work, at home or in our communities. The foundation for success and a better, brighter future begins with us.
Our Purpose
For more than a century, our belief in doing the right thing has not only shaped us but also shaped our businesses and our communities. By partnering with nonprofits, organizations and charitable entities, we empower employees to donate their time, talents and resources to help us collectively build a stronger, more sustainable future. At Sonoco, we are deeply invested in our people and the communities we serve.
Community Nourishment & Support
Consistent, hands-on engagement is demonstrated through monthly volunteer efforts at a local soup kitchen, where employees dedicate their time to serving meals and connecting directly with individuals and families in need.
In addition to ongoing volunteerism, mentorship programs such as PAWS and Youth to Leaders extend this impact by supporting youth and their families beyond traditional guidance and development. During the holiday season, these efforts take on added significance. Mentees and their families are provided with meal vouchers to local restaurants, ensuring access to warm, reliable meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Humane Society and Paws
Building a Better Life for Our Furry Friends
Sonoco has proudly supported the Darlington County Humane Society since 2015—donating food and supplies, organizing company volunteers and providing resources to animals in need.
In 2024, we furthered that commitment by sponsoring a new Animal Adoption & Education Center in our hometown of Hartsville, SC. The facility provides much needed shelter, medical care and adoption services for hundreds of cats and dogs, while offering dedicated space for animal awareness education and training.
This space includes Sonoco's PAWS (Positive Advocates Working with Students) mentorship program where students participate in discipline-specific job shadowing opportunities. At the heart of the transformed facility is the multi-functional, technology-equipped space for these educational programs, community meetings and events.
In addition, PAWS volunteers from Sonoco provide mentorship once a week in cooperation with schools with various educational tracts. In 2024, 53 mentor/mentee pairings were facilitated.
Sonoco In Action
How We Give Back
Each year, Sonoco allocates approximately $2 million to be distributed among non-profit organizations focused on education, health and wellness, arts and culture, the environment and disaster relief. Sonoco In Action exists to strengthen the people and places that shape us, supporting our employees, uplifting our local communities and investing in initiatives that create lasting opportunities. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families by partnering with local organizations and nonprofits that support youth 18 and under. To best serve the community, Sonoco In Action has split its funding into three distinct tiers:
- Sonoco Gives is a program that provides grants to non-profit organizations, including the Sonoco Employee Relief Fund.
- Sonoco Community is a program for community engagement activities.
- Employee Events is a program for company-sponsored programs and activities.
At Sonoco, we believe perspective makes us stronger.
We foster a work environment where employees know they are respected, treated fairly and encouraged to share ideas.
Our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) create programs to promote education, awareness and communication among our teammates and communities. ERGs host learning sessions, events and team building opportunities through mentoring, networking and professional workshops year-round.
Employee Resource Groups
Black Employees @Sonoco
We celebrate the voices and experiences of Black employees while fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and equity. Our environment builds respect for all Sonoco employees while valuing the uniqueness of the Black employees’ cultural perspectives that contribute to business success.
Diverse Abilities @Sonoco
We create a safe and inclusive space for individuals with non-typical neurological or physical abilities, as well as their caregivers. Through advocacy, education and support, we empower one another to thrive.
Latinos de Sonoco
We connect, celebrate and support the Latino community at Sonoco by sharing culture, experiences and ideas. Our goal is to foster belonging and amplify the value of Latino voices across the organization.
LGBTQ+
We strive to foster a workplace where employees feel empowered to express their authentic selves. Through advocacy and awareness, we promote understanding to ensure every voice is valued.
Military Professionals
We support veterans and active service members by building a strong internal network, aiding career transitions and contributing to Sonoco’s recruitment and retention efforts.
Sonoco Caregivers
We provide a community of understanding for caregivers of any kind to come together, support one another, leverage resources and advocate for needs that will allow them to thrive both in their caregiving roles and professional careers.
Sonoco Young Professionals
We empower early-career professionals to grow through development, mentorship and connection. Our group supports retention, leadership potential and long-term career success at Sonoco.
Women @ Sonoco
We champion the advancement of women by providing space for dialogue, mentorship and growth. Our mission is to develop strong leaders and promote gender equity across Sonoco.
Supporting our People
Employee Volunteering
Throughout the year our employees give back to the local community through a variety of volunteer activities. In 2025, Sonoco employee volunteering included:
- Since launching in 2023, the Sonoco Emergency Financial Relief Fund has provided tax-free grants to U.S. employees facing hardship, increasing support to $5,000 after Hurricane Helene in 2024 and contributing nearly $100,000 toward employee and community recovery efforts.
- 2025 McLeod Children’s Hospital Radiothon where Sonoco employees took shifts answering the phones and collecting donations to support local healthcare.
- Coats4Kids Drive, a program where United Way brought boxes to the Sonoco Hartsville Campus and employees donated coats that were then distributed to local school children
- American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Walk where employees in South Carolina came together in support to make a positive impact on heart health. Sonoco was honored to receive recognition as the leading contributor for the third year in a row.
- Christmas Family, a Christmastime family adoption program facilitated by The Darlington County School District, that provided Sonoco employees with the opportunity to gift presents to the children in our community. Several other Sonoco sites also supported similar programs within their communities.
Learn More About How People Build Business
Reach out to us directly if you have an idea or request concerning our social engagement activities and opportunities.