At DeKALB Molded Plastics, we are committed to our community, because being an active and supportive member of our local city is simply an extension of our core values. Giving of our time and talent is our greatest contribution to our many partnerships, because when we support each other, incredible things happen, and everyone wins.
Our community has always been supportive of us, helping us be successful. In return of this support, we’re proud to be able to give back, supporting our neighbors and friends, helping to make things better. As a company, we are focused on Continuous Improvement, and we are proud to continue this philosophy from within our walls to everyone outside of them. Great employees create a great company, and in turn, with this attention, make a great community. This is why you will often see DeKALB employees and our logo present as a sponsor at numerous charitable events, including Butler Days, Shop with a Cop, and multiple Butler 5K Run fundraisers.
United Way - Day of Caring
Each year one of the highlights of our community events is participating in the United Way of DeKalb County Day of Caring. DeKALB has participated in this volunteer opportunity for more than 20 years, lending a helping hand to local nonprofits and giving back to the great community that embraces our company. This is usually a one-day event where volunteers serve throughout the community, doing projects for those in need of assistance.
Open to all levels of employees, this event provides DeKALB Molded Plastic’s staff with the opportunity to go out and give back to the community by dedicating their time. At the end of the event, the dedication from our staff, and other community members that support this event, help to make a major impact throughout the county.
During the Day of Caring, some of the projects that are completed include repairing fences, painting projects, landscaping and making our area buildings more accessible for all by constructing access ramps. In addition, some skilled volunteers assist by doing minor home repairs. In 2020, even during a pandemic, the annual United Way Day of Caring in DeKalb County continues, as 24 outdoor projects are scheduled to be completed. Teams have already started work, which will take place over the next few weeks, unlike normal years, where all projects are finished within the same day.
For DeKALB’s engineering manager, Chris Clear, who has participated in this event every year for the last twenty years, the most enjoyable part of this event is reflecting on the work DeKALB has helped to achieve, and the positive and lasting effect it has to this day for the community and the company.
“One of the projects that stands out is when I put in a garage door opener for a senior citizen, who I see from time to time, and when I do, she always comments on how thankful she is for our help,” said Clear. “I’m most proud of the reputation our staff has built with the United Way. Our team is known for taking on the difficult projects, and working until it is done, often being the last Day of Caring crew still working. We generate a better quality of life for the community when we give back, and it helps us when we help others.”
Diane Fogle, customer service representative at DeKALB, also shared a fond memory of volunteering at the Day of Caring and how DeKALB was able to help in going the extra mile to make a community member’s day.
“DeKALB has been proud of every project we have done over the years, but one that I will never forget is a landscaping project completed at an elderly women’s home,” said Fogle. “After meeting her, shared that she always wanted to be a queen for a day, like a homecoming queen, after hearing that, we declared her queen of the day and we presented her with a crown and a sash. This small act of kindness made a world of difference to her and had an impact on our team as there were tears of joy from everyone.”
Staying Active in the Community – The DeKALB Way
At DeKALB, caring for our employees includes caring for our community. Our culture is centered on appreciating, thanking and cheering our employees for their contributions and support of their passions every day. Our employees strive to make things better, to make a difference and make our community a great place to work, live and play.
As a thank you to all the first responders serving the Butler community, each year, we recognize and honor members of the Butler Police Department, Butler Fire Department, and locally stationed Parkview DeKalb EMTs with an appreciation dinner for all of the hard work that they do for us throughout the year.
To learn more about us and living the DeKALB Way, click here.