DLC Employees Volunteer Over 1,000 Hours for Summer of Service Campaign
This summer, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) partnered with local nonprofits to give back where it’s needed most during DLC’s first Summer of Service campaign.
Employees across every department worked towards a shared goal: complete 1,000 volunteer hours. Thanks to their dedication and the support of several community organizations, DLC easily exceeded that goal.
“Our employees consistently demonstrate a deep commitment to serve, and Summer of Service provided an opportunity to channel that generosity into high-impact outcomes,” said Angela Feldbauer, manager of Environmental, Social and Governance and Corporate Giving. "The overwhelming engagement, from our employees and nonprofit partners alike, underscores the power of collaboration and what’s possible when we align our values with action.”
Summer of Service launched in response to the April storm that affected many in the Pittsburgh region, with a focus on supporting basic needs and workforce development – two areas central to DLC’s corporate responsibility efforts.
The campaign kicked off in June with a clean-up event at Frick Park, hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. DLC volunteers removed storm debris such as broken branches and rolled up their sleeves to weed a half-acre property so newly planted trees can thrive.
DLC teamed up with Light of Life Rescue Mission multiple times, participating in their Day of Hope event and supporting their outreach center, which helps people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
Food insecurity was another major focus. Volunteers packed donations at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, worked with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to make 300 snack kits for summer camps serving low-income children, and assembled meal kits with 412 Food Rescue’s Good Food Project.
"This hands-on support from Duquesne Light reflects our shared commitment to nourishing our community and maximizing every food donation we receive,” said Tara McHenry, corporate and foundation partnerships manager at 412 Food Rescue. “This partnership has turned the fight against food waste into real impact, ensuring our neighbors have access to the good food they deserve."
In August, DLC employees helped The Education Partnership connect teachers with much-needed school supplies, before completing the final Summer of Service event with Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, which opened its workforce development center last year in partnership with DLC. At the event, a DLC team including CEO and President Kevin Walker packaged hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste and deodorant to be distributed to unhoused and low-income veterans.
In total, employees contributed 1,306 hours of service across the Pittsburgh region between June and August. In addition to company-organized events, many employees logged additional volunteer hours on their own time.
While Summer of Service reflects DLC’s commitment to community engagement, it also highlights the importance of supporting the many nonprofits working to foster lasting change every day.
How to get involved
The nonprofits that participated in Summer of Service are always looking for volunteers interested in making an impact. Learn how you can share your time as an individual or through group events:
Read more about DLC’s commitment to making a positive impact on our communities, employees, customers and environment in the 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.