For some military veterans, access to everyday necessities like soap, shampoo and toothpaste isn't always guaranteed. Employees of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) are supporting local veterans through a donation of hundreds of hygiene products and a grant from the I&M Foundation to help a local nonprofit expand support for those who served in the military.
This summer, members of Indiana Michigan Power's (I&M) Military Veterans Employee Resource Group (MVERG) organized a companywide donation drive benefiting Clothes for Joes, a Fort Wayne nonprofit that provides clothing, hygiene products and other necessities to veterans in need. For the third year, employees across the company donated hygiene items and everyday essentials, while volunteers helped sort, organize and deliver the contributions.
"We don't have a lot of money in our budget to purchase these items," said Andrew Messmer, executive director of Clothes for Joes. "The donations from I&M employees, especially hard-to-find products like shaving supplies and hygiene items for women, make a huge difference. Not only did employees donate the items, they sorted, organized and delivered them, and that impact means a great deal to the veterans we serve."
The partnership is creating both immediate and long-term benefits.
As Clothes for Joes prepares to move into a larger facility, the I&M Foundation is providing grant funding to help support the transition. The expanded space will allow the nonprofit to serve more veterans throughout northeast Indiana and northeast Ohio, increasing access to resources, services and support.
"It says volumes about I&M and how much they care about our community," Messmer said. "This is a true testament to I&M's commitment to giving back and supporting veterans. We're extremely thankful for everything I&M is willing to do."
Together, employee donations, volunteer service and the I&M Foundation's support are helping ensure that veterans know their community stands beside them.
"One of the things that makes I&M special is our employees' passion for giving back," said Alexa Roskowski, External Affairs manager. "When we support organizations that are meaningful to our employees, we're not only strengthening our communities, we're helping create opportunities for people who need them most. It's inspiring to see so many employees rally behind a cause that supports fellow veterans."
For many members of MVERG, service did not end when they left the military. Through efforts like this one, they continue supporting fellow veterans and strengthening the communities they call home. Sometimes making a difference starts with something simple. In this case, it started with a bar of soap and grew into a community effort that will help more veterans access the support, resources and encouragement they deserve.
Individuals interested in supporting local veterans can learn more about Clothes for Joes, volunteer opportunities and donation needs by visiting the organization's website.
To see how I&M is partnering with local organizations to strengthen the communities we serve, visit the community section of our website.