Chrysler Group Employees Continue Tradition of Giving Back to the Community at Thanksgiving
Annual Food Drive in conjunction with United Auto Workers Helps Fight Hunger
November 22, 2013 /3BL Media/ - With Thanksgiving approaching, Chrysler Group LLC employees across the Midwest are taking time out from building cars and trucks today, to help make sure their neighbors enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner.
Across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio Chrysler employees donated an estimated 17,000 pounds of food – everything from canned fruit and vegetables to cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie filling and stuffing mix – then delivered the goods to local food pantries. In addition to the holiday fixings, each pantry will receive a portion of the 2,400 frozen turkeys purchased by The Chrysler Foundation.
“We strive to make serving the community part of our everyday mission at Chrysler,” said Jody Trapasso, Senior Vice President - External Affairs, Chrysler Group LLC and President of The Chrysler Foundation. “We’re moved by the generosity of the Chrysler employees and UAW members who once again responded to assist their neighbors during this holiday season.”
Held in conjunction with the United Auto Workers, Chrysler’s annual food drive encompassed most of the Company’s U.S. offices and plants. In order to maximize the number of people assisted, the Company teamed with well-established community service organizations in its plant communities.
“The spirit of giving runs deep within Chrysler and the UAW year after year," said Walt Young, board chair and interim president - Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “Thousands of men, women and children across the Midwest will have a happier holiday, knowing for certain that they will have food on the table. We could not be more grateful.”
Food donated by Chrysler will be distributed through the following community service organizations:
- Southeast Michigan: Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Lighthouse of Oakland County and HOPE Center in Macomb.
- Illinois: Belvidere Community Cupboard
- Indiana: Kokomo Urban Outreach
- Ohio: The City of Zion (Toledo) and Northwest Ohio Food Bank
Last year, the Company’s food drive helped feed an estimated 16,000 people across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
The Chrysler Foundation
The Chrysler Foundation, the charitable arm of Chrysler Group LLC, has established a proud legacy of empowering people in the communities where we live and work. The Chrysler Foundation focuses on four key areas through its grant application process and volunteer activities: Education: K-12 and post-secondary education initiatives that encourage the study and pursuit of careers in business, design, science, technology, engineering, mathematics or supply-chain management; Military: support for our nation’s service members and their families in need; Multicultural / Diversity: initiatives that promote inclusion and advancement opportunities for diverse populations; and Youth Development: organizations and programs that provide mentoring and related assistance to aid youth in the transition to adulthood.
Since its inception in 1953, The Chrysler Foundation has awarded more than $500 million in charitable grants.
