EAGAN, Minn. — During the month of December, the NFL promotes its "Inspire Change" mission.

The league's social justice initiative is aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity, particularly in communities of color, and showcasing how the NFL family is working together to create positive change.

The Vikings organization values the program and embraces its objective at all levels. This year, Vikings Employee Resource Groups partnered with Twin Cities nonprofits to serve the community and Inspire Change.

"Volunteering provides staff with an opportunity to lend our time, talent and treasure to deserving nonprofit partners and community members in need," said Vikings Foundation Program Manager Diego Pleitez, co-chair of Adalante. "Our ERG Week of Service created opportunities to connect with staff across multiple departments and strengthen our bond as teammates. I also enjoyed volunteering during the ERG Week of Service because it created several opportunities for our staff to support historically underrepresented communities. It was such a treat to get out of the office and give back."

Below are the various nonprofits selected by the ERGs, which worked with additional staff volunteers to give back.

(Note: All Vikings staff are welcome to be a part of any of the Employee Resource Groups; they are not limited to the group's affinity.)

Adelante | Affinity: Latino / Hispanic

Nonprofits supported: Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servico (CLUES); Esparanza United

Volunteers assisted CLUES with its weekly food distribution program, which provides fresh produce, meat and non-perishable items to families in need, as well as supported Esparanza United.

"The Vikings have a long-standing relationship with CLUES, so we were thrilled to volunteer with them via their 'Canasta Familiar' food distribution program," Pleitez said. "As for Esperanza United, Adelante members reviewed several nonprofit organizations that serve/support the Hispanic + Latino community; our ERG gravitated toward EU due to its efforts in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault and more within our community."

BE BOLD | Affinity: Black / African American

Nonprofit supported: YouthLink MN

Volunteers packed 500 toiletry kits to support the YouthLink MN's drop-in center, where youth come to access essentials like personal care items, clothing, laundry, showers and hot meals.

Mosaic | Affinity: Asian American & Pacific Islander

Nonprofit supported: MORE-Empowerment

Volunteers prepared bins of household and personal care items for approximately 60 students for MORE's Winter Giveaway, which provides essential personal and household items to youth. These students are learning English to empower themselves while building new lives in Minnesota.

Mosaic also presented MORE with a check for $1,250.

"Mosaic selected MORE as our nonprofit of choice because their mission and values resonated with a few members of our group. MORE offers English classes and basic support services to community members in the Twin Cities," Vikings Turf Technician Sao Sypaseuth said. "My favorite part about serving alongside other Vikings staff members was being able to connect and accomplish a goal together outside of the walls of TCO Performance Center. Seeing the positivity everyone had during the volunteer opportunity created a great experience."

PRISM | Affinity: LGBTQ+

Nonprofit supported: The Bridge for Youth Homeless Shelter

Volunteers supported The Bridge with packing kits for its mobile outreach center that goes out into the community to offer resources for youth experiencing homelessness.

PRISM also presented The Bridge with a check for $2,500.

Vikings Village | Affinity: Parents & Caregivers

Nonprofit supported: The Open Door

Volunteers packed 500 Snack Packs for The Open Door. These snack packs will provide youth with extra food support to help them stay focused and energized during the school day or while on school breaks.

"As parents, we know how difficult it can be to juggle the demands of life if your kids are struggling with anything at home or school," Vikings Controller Patrick Whinnery said. "That's why the Vikings Village ERG has been such a great comfort through the supportive community we've built and advocacy we can provide for parents in our workplace.

"The critical support that The Open Door Pantry provides to families with children experiencing food insecurity really connects with the mission of our ERG to help parents know that they are not alone and recognize the fact that sometimes we all need the support of our own villages to be the successful parents we want to be," Whinnery continued. "We are really thankful for the support of the Wilf family and the entire Vikings organization that provides us with the opportunity to partner with an organization as impactful as The Open Door Pantry."