This January and February, more than 110 GPD Group employees and family members spent an afternoon volunteering at one of four separate food distributions. GPD sponsored two distribution dates at the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, one distribution date for The Greater Cleveland Foodbank, and one volunteer opportunity at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

“Throughout the entire pandemic, we have seen the cars line up for Akron’s foodbank every Thursday afternoon outside of our office which is nearly a mile away” explains Darrin Kotecki, President of GPD Group. “It was a visual reminder of just how great the needs are in our communities. Instead of just commenting on the line every week, we felt like we needed to get out there and help these organizations that are working so hard to make a difference.”

For each of the four distribution dates, volunteers worked alongside members of the Ohio National Guard as they loaded cars with a full week’s supply of food. COVID-19 protocols were in place to protect volunteers and those being served.

“It was really rewarding to be able to give back right now. So many of our usual volunteer events haven’t been possible due to COVID. This was a way for us to actually get out there in the community and help with a need that many of us didn’t realize was so huge” says Jess Wood, a volunteer and member of GPD’s Human Resources Department.

In addition to volunteering their time, GPD Group donated $100,000 across the three organizations.

At GPD, we have always believed that it is our responsibility to give back to our communities. We are looking forward to more opportunities to make positive impacts.