What if access to something simple like hygiene products was not always easy? For some, this is a reality. To help make items like these more readily available, one I&M group partnered with a local organization to make a difference, starting with a bar of soap. 

In July, the I&M Military Veterans Employee Resource Group (MVERG) organized a collection to benefit Clothes for Joes, a Fort Wayne-based organization serving Veterans. The goal was to make a difference to those who need it most. With drop-off bins placed at several I&M locations, including Rockport, Ind. and Bridgman, Mich., staff pitched in by donating new personal hygiene products.

“The purpose of this collection is to ensure others have the care they need, beginning with access to basic hygiene products,” said Amber Loucks, I&M Distribution Line Coordinator, Sr. “As we collected these donated items, it was clear just how willing people were to contribute and make a difference in the life of someone who could really use it. This is what makes I&M so special: we set out to make a difference, and we accomplish that as a team.”

And that team mentality was critical. After 31 days of the collection effort, donations were centralized at Fort Wayne’s Northeast Service Center to be sorted and delivered to the Clothes for Joes building. Organization of these items was especially important to ensure easy access for Veterans on Clothes for Joes’ distribution days. To accomplish this, six members of the MVERG team sorted and organized two truckloads worth of items at the Clothes for Joes’ site. 

The I&M Military Veterans ERG strives to promote the roles and contributions of veterans and active-duty military employees, provide professional development and networking opportunity for its members and serve as a liaison between the company and the veteran and military communities. 

Read more about how we are partnering and supporting the communities we serve by visiting the community section on our website.