In a remarkable display of commitment to community welfare, employees of Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) made a significant impact in May by volunteering more than 1,100 hours, which translates into over 27 full-time workweeks. This initiative, part of their Glad to be of Service® program, comprised efforts across 38 cities and nine counties, strengthening local communities by connecting families with essential resources that can alleviate their everyday expenses, including food, clothing, and workforce programs.
During this month, over 200 employees engaged in 19 volunteer events supporting 57 nonprofit organizations, all focused on critical community needs such as food security, housing assistance, workforce readiness, and services tailored for seniors and veterans.
"At SoCalGas, we acknowledge that numerous families are experiencing financial hardships, particularly during these challenging economic times," stated Clay Faber, the director of community and stakeholder engagement at SoCalGas. He elaborated on the necessity of community support, emphasizing that their employees' volunteer efforts alongside local organizations help enhance access to indispensable resources.
Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, representing The Salvation Army's Southern California Division, commended the efforts of SoCalGas staff, stating, "Collaborations like this are essential for addressing the rising needs witnessed across Southern California. SoCalGas employees are always ready to contribute and effectuate a meaningful difference by expanding access to vital resources for those families in need."
The collective volunteer efforts addressed various community challenges, including:
1.
Food Distribution: Assisting with food insecurity by providing access to no-cost groceries through organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Orange County Food Bank.
2.
Housing Support: Helping individuals and families secure stable and supportive housing through community partnerships, thereby making strides in the housing crisis.
3.
Workforce Development: Empowering community members through financial literacy programs and offering assistance such as professional clothing donations to those entering or re-entering the job market.
4.
Support for Vulnerable Populations: Delivering essential services aimed at seniors and vulnerable community members, ensuring they receive the necessary support and connection to community resources.
5.
Community Resilience: Engaging in recovery efforts that promote economic stability and resilience within local communities.
In addition to these primary activities, employees organized various initiatives including clothing and diaper drives, youth mentorship programs, community cleanups, and additional support for students and low-income households, veterans, and individuals facing homelessness.
These volunteer initiatives not only supplement SoCalGas's broader commitment to providing assistance to customers in managing their energy costs through various programs focused on financial aid and energy efficiency, but they also reflect the company's dedication to the communities it serves. With volunteer service continuing throughout the year, SoCalGas maintains a firm commitment to delivering value to its customers and enhancing the communities around them.
For further information about SoCalGas's community-related efforts, please visit
SoCalGas's Impact Page. This initiative demonstrates how businesses can play a significant role in supporting their communities and contributing to societal well-being, showcasing exemplary corporate responsibility in action.
About SoCalGas: As the largest gas distribution utility in the U.S., SoCalGas serves more than 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles in Central and Southern California. Their mission revolves around safe, reliable, and affordable energy delivery, with a forward-looking approach for future energy solutions. Recognized as a leader in the energy sector, SoCalGas has been honored with the Corporate Member of the Year title by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for its active participation and leadership in community volunteerism.