Beyond Postcards: How One Firm's Giving Rewrites Community Support

CLEARWATER, FL – December 17, 2025 – In a year that saw it recognized as a finalist for Corporate Philanthropist of the Year, Clearwater-based marketing firm PostcardMania has announced its most significant year of community engagement to date. The $119 million company mobilized its 395 employees in a sweeping series of charitable initiatives throughout 2025, culminating in over $10,000 raised and hundreds of volunteer hours dedicated to local causes. Through 28 distinct events, the company has demonstrated a model of corporate social responsibility that is deeply integrated into its operational fabric and company culture.

This isn't just about writing a check. PostcardMania's approach is hands-on, personal, and diverse, touching nearly every corner of the community it calls home. The company's efforts are a case study in how corporate resources can be leveraged for tangible local impact, setting a new benchmark for corporate citizenship in the Tampa Bay region.

A Blueprint for Hyper-Local Impact

PostcardMania’s philanthropic strategy in 2025 was characterized by its breadth and directness. Rather than focusing on a single cause, the company empowered its employees to support a wide spectrum of local needs. This resulted in a comprehensive community support program that addressed everything from animal welfare and food insecurity to elder care and environmental stewardship.

At Pinellas County Animal Services, the impact was immediate and heartwarming. Employees visited the shelter twice, walking over 30 dogs each day and spending quiet time reading to cats and dogs to improve their socialization—a critical factor in their adoptability. The connection was so profound that it inspired a wave of adoptions within the company, with staff members providing forever homes to four dogs and three cats. For a shelter that relies heavily on volunteer support for socialization and exercise, these dedicated hours were invaluable.

Human health was another major focus. The quarterly visits from OneBlood's Big Red Bus became a staple at the company's headquarters. In total, 58 employees donated blood, a contribution that translates to direct aid for up to 174 patients needing life-saving transfusions. The company also raised $1,153 for the American Heart Association through a Valentine’s Day flower sale, funding cardiovascular research and public health education.

Beyond direct fundraising, the company emphasized the power of human connection. Volunteers delivered food for Meals on Wheels in January, taking extra time to visit with homebound residents and combat the social isolation that often accompanies food insecurity. During the holidays, employees could be found serving meals at Feeding Tampa Bay’s soup kitchen and painting Easter eggs with residents at the Lake House Assisted Living Facility, where they later returned for a game of volleyball to continue fostering relationships.

Philanthropy as a People-First Strategy

A cornerstone of PostcardMania's success in community engagement is its innovative employee-centric policy: staff can volunteer during work hours with a manager's approval and remain on the clock. This removes the financial barrier to giving back, ensuring employees never have to choose between a paycheck and community service. The policy's effectiveness is evident in the numbers, with 768 volunteer sign-ups recorded across the year.

This approach aligns with a growing trend in corporate America, where Volunteer Time Off (VTO) is becoming a key component of employee benefits packages. Industry leaders have recognized that such programs create a “triple win”—benefiting the community, the employee, and the company itself. For employees, it fosters a sense of purpose and pride in their workplace. For the company, it serves as a powerful tool for recruitment and retention, particularly among a workforce that increasingly seeks purpose-driven careers. This is reflected in PostcardMania’s consistent recognition as one of Tampa Bay's Top 100 Workplaces for nine consecutive years, a testament to a positive internal culture that is undoubtedly strengthened by these shared experiences.

The culture of support also extends inward. The company’s annual 'Helping Hands' sale, where staff donate gently used items for an internal sale, raised $2,833 this year. All proceeds were given directly to a fellow employee facing hardship, demonstrating a commitment to community that begins at home.

Weaving Charity into the Corporate DNA

For PostcardMania, philanthropy is not an ancillary department but a core part of its identity. This philosophy is championed from the top down. "Clearwater has given so much to PostcardMania — from our first tiny office to the 395 amazing people who work here today — so giving back isn't just an initiative for us; it's part of who we are," said Founder and CEO Joy Gendusa. "When you build a business from scratch, you quickly realize you don't rise alone. Helping others, lifting our community, and creating real opportunities right here at home is woven into our mission just as tightly as delivering great marketing results."

This mission is on full display as the year closes. The company is currently in the midst of its annual holiday toy drive, structured as a friendly competition between internal divisions to maximize donations. The collected items will support a trio of organizations: toys will go to the Children's Home Network, blankets will be distributed to people experiencing homelessness, and holiday gift bags will be given to the Little St. Nick Foundation to help children with disabilities.

Looking ahead, the company is not resting on its laurels. With its finalist status for the Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Corporate Philanthropist of the Year award cementing its position as a regional leader, PostcardMania has set ambitious goals for 2026. The firm aims to double the amount of money raised for charity and significantly increase the number of volunteers at each organized event, signaling an even deeper commitment to the community that has supported its growth from a small startup into a national marketing powerhouse.