National Volunteer Week: Celebrating DLC's Culture of Volunteerism
April 23, 2021
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and all its uncertainties, one thing has remained constant — DLC's determination to exemplify its core value of being “selfless in serving the community, both on the job and through volunteerism.” During National Volunteer Week, DLC celebrated employees who volunteered their time and skills to support our local communities.
Last year's volunteer program saw about 350 employee volunteers donate more than 1,500 hours to efforts around the DLC service territory.
Video created by DLC's Nick Ruffolo
Thus far in 2021, employees have already logged nearly 300 volunteer hours through both company-sponsored and personal projects.
“Our community partners always share how impressed they are with our volunteers,” said Sam Hartzman, Supervisor, Corporate Citizenship. "Our partners continue to work with us year after year because they know our volunteers will go above and beyond in making their projects a success.”
National Volunteer Week Participation
DLC employees logged about 50 hours during National Volunteer Week by participating in three events in the Pittsburgh region. On Thursday's Earth Day Celebration, volunteers assisted the Pittsburgh Pirates' planting efforts as the team officially reopened its 'Urban Garden, powered by DLC.' The garden, which is on the patio PNC Park's suite level, grows produce that is harvested as ingredients to use in the recipes of food sold games.
Photos below courtesy of Pittsburgh Pirates
Also on Earth Day, a dozen DLC volunteers traveled to Sunny's Community Garden in Pittsburgh's Hill District neighborhood to build large garden beds, fill them with soil, plant flowers, lay wood chips and a walkway, and erect a portion of a fence surrounding the area. That garden serves as gathering places for gardeners of all ages to learn about and experience the rewards of growing and sharing healthy food.
Photos below courtesy of 'Repair the World Pittsburgh'
On Friday, several volunteers gathered in Lawrenceville as part of a program that delivers groceries to families who are in need. More on that program below.
Pivoting to Assist Those Facing Difficulties
To meet the increased demands due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DLC's Corporate Citizenship team created new volunteer opportunities with community partners, including Lawrenceville United (LU).
Once a month, DLC employees participate in LU’s Friday Food Delivery Program by delivering groceries and other supplies to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Mike Swearingen, one of DLC's street light changers, volunteered for the project in March and was featured in The Bulletin, LU’s monthly publication serving Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhoods.
In addition, DLC employees have also responded to society's “new normal” by participating in several virtual volunteer projects, including PA Women Work’s New Choices Program, where they lead mock interviews with jobseekers who are reentering the workforce.
Diana Kiesel, Regulatory Consumer Relations Associate, is an active volunteer with PA Women Work and regularly takes part in the New Choices Program as well as 3 Cups of Coffee, the organization's mentoring program. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to be able to give back to our community. I am so thrilled when a mentee tells me they got the job, or they feel prepared for their next interview,” she said.