American Water held a companywide employee volunteer event in September titled AmerICANs in Action! Month of Service. More than 1,200 American Water employees participated in 82 different community volunteer projects representing American Water operations in 12 states and Ontario, Canada.
American Water launched a formal Corporate Responsibility program in 2009, and AmerICANs in Action!, which is one initiative of this program, aims to continue the company’s efforts to create a lasting, positive impact in the communities the company serves. AmerICANs in Action! encourages teams of employees to get out of the office and volunteer in the communities where they live and work. In its third year, the results from this year’s event surpassed last year’s participation.
“From the pleasure of bringing smiles to the faces of children and senior citizens; to the appreciation expressed from residents who lost their homes in Hurricane Sandy; to organizing and packing food for those in need, our employees witnessed first-hand the incredible effect of community service,” said Debra Vernon, manager, Corporate Responsibility. “Our dedicated employees are our most prominent ambassadors in the community, serving as a very important link to our customers. Having our employees volunteer in the community not only enriches the neighborhoods that we call home, but also strengthens relationships with our customers.”
Employees demonstrated a range of skills through projects that included a trail clean-up along the Ohio River Greenway in Indiana, rehabbing a Hurricane Sandy-ravaged house in New York, a beautification event at the Junior Blind in California, sorting and packing food for local pantries in New Jersey and collecting hygiene products and school supplies for under privileged kids in Pennsylvania. Some employees volunteered at animal shelters, while others teamed up with their local Habitat for Humanity or United Way chapters.
American Water is hosting a photo contest to recognize and reward volunteers. The winning team’s photo will receive a $750 donation for their chosen charity. The 70 photos represent American Water employees nationwide who participated in the company’s AmerICANs In Action! Month of Service events throughout September.
The photos have been posted on American Water’s Facebook page through a contest tab. Help raise awareness about volunteering and support a charity by voting for your favorite AmerICANs in Action! Month of Service picture between Oct. 28 and Nov. 10.
Source: American Water
