In a span of six weeks during the holiday season, 762 Team SDG&E volunteers supported 47 organizations through the SDGivE employee-led volunteer program. Employees gave 2,500 hours to projects across our region. While a grant went to a nonprofit organization along with every volunteer project, our employees’ positive attitudes and willingness to make a difference in the lives of those in need shined the brightest.
Projects included providing aid to those facing food or housing insecurity, supporting underserved children and youth, beautifying public areas, promoting STEM education and so much more.
As we celebrate the end of SDGivE, here are a few projects led by our departments and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
- Our Customer Programs department normally focuses on providing customers with energy assistance programs. But this year for SDGivE, the team partnered with Feeding San Diego to provide support for those facing food insecurity. Volunteers cleaned and packed 13,680 pounds of apples, 1,800 pounds of kiwi and 5,600 pounds of potatoes for various programs like the School Pantry Program that serves local San Diegans experiencing hunger.
- To encourage more teenagers to spend time outdoors and get creative, the Customer Care department hosted multiple distribution booths at the Jackie Robinson YMCA for its Teen Holiday Give Back event. More than 60 volunteers donated toys, clothing, art supplies, bikes and sports equipment that teens were able to take home and enjoy.
- Our Black Employee Business Resource Group (BEBRG) and our Hispanic/Latinx ERG, VOZ participated in toy and food distribution drives to support foster children and underserved families in the South Bay. BEBRG members helped Promises2Kids prepare for their Give From Your Heart Holiday Drive. Volunteers sorted and distributed toys for foster children in diverse, underserved and low-income families who might not receive something special during the holidays. VOZ members including SDG&E Vice President of Land and Environmental Services Estela de Llanos and SDG&E Chief Commercial Officer Miguel Romero, were thrilled to bring families joy and relief at the Chicano Federation’s Holiday Distribution event. Volunteers distributed 1,000 toys and much-needed items such as food, gift cards, blankets and diapers.
- Our Veterans Advancing Leading and Optimizing Results (VALOR) ERG supports our employees who are transitioning to a post-military career. This year, VALOR partnered with Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) for their Warehouse Warriors program. VALOR members and SDG&E Vice President of Risk Management and Compliance Michael Schneider prepared STEP’s warehouse for STEP’s holiday distribution event. Volunteers sorted canned and dry foods that benefited 400 families of junior active-duty enlisted members and veterans.
What an impactful season of SDGivE! Thank you to our Team SDG&E volunteers for all their efforts not only during this season but throughout the year.