Press Room
May Volunteer Spotlight: Valvoline Employee Group
Employees from Valvoline’s global products department stopped by on April 16 to sort food donations that were to be distributed to our six emergency food pantries in Lexington. This enthusiastic, high-energy group worked so fast that we actually asked them to slow down so the next few volunteer groups would still have work to do!
A few of the volunteers also donned gloves to clean hundreds of cans of vegetables that were “rescued” after a recent traffic accident involving an overturned tractor trailer. Food banks like God’s Pantry are in a unique position to accept cosmetically imperfect food products that would otherwise be discarded. However, we can do so only with the help of volunteers like these from Valvoline who improve the condition of the cans before distribution to clients.
Todd Graybeal, vice president of global products, explained why he spearheaded this volunteer project.
“It’s always good to get a couple of hours away from the office together as a team,” Graybeal said.
“We have a great time and it’s good for our team building," Anne Fitch added. "We’re supporting a great cause and making a difference.”
William Lyons shared that his interest in volunteering is rooted in his desire to “help others in need and the feeling of giving back.”
Mark Koenig, director of global products, left knowing more about God’s Pantry Food Bank than he did when he arrived.
“I learned that food donations are down in the spring and summer," Koenig said. "Unfortunately, this is also the time when demand goes up, in part because kids who would normally get free or reduced lunch aren’t in school [and have to rely on programs like Kids Cafe].”
And some of the most interesting items they came across while sorting food? Cottage cheese dumplings, nutritional supplements, cookie mix, canned Indian dessert gulab tamun.