Giving back is written into the DNA of Top 40 supplier Charles River Apparel (asi/44620), as evidenced by two charitable efforts the company recently announced. Charles River is the official sponsor of the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), scheduled for August. Separately, the company is donating clothing to support foster families, homeless shelters and domestic violence organizations in partnership with two of New England’s professional sports teams, the Patriots and Revolution.

The PMC, reimagined this year as a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is a bike-a-thon that raises money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support life-saving cancer research and treatment. Last year, the organization donated $63 million to the cancer institute, bringing its 40-year contribution to $717 million.

“Each year, we look to increase our involvement with the Pan-Mass Challenge, and we’re thrilled to partner with them in a new way this year, while continuing to raise money and awareness for cancer research and treatment,” said Barry Lipsett, CEO and owner of Charles River. “This new sponsorship provides Charles River with an opportunity to expand our reach and continue giving back to an organization we’re passionate about.”

In previous years, Charles River employees have participated in the bike challenge, raising funds for Dana-Farber. Lipsett has been a rider in the challenge for the last 15 years.

Sarah Mercurio Hall, director of creative, events and merchandise for the PMC, called Charles River “a passionate partner, committed to supporting our organization not only as a sponsor, but as riders and fundraisers as well.”

Meanwhile, on June 4 Charles River officially partnered with the Patriots and Revolution charitable foundations to support 10 different organizations, providing clothing and other items to support foster families, homeless shelters and domestic violence organizations. Charles River is donating clothing, and the organizations will also receive gift cards, toys, fresh food and produce, and more. The items will be distributed at Gillette Stadium.

Charitable efforts are nothing new at Charles River. At the beginning of the year, the supplier launched its second-annual Clothing for a Cause campaign, donation a portion of sales on selected styles to three different charities.