By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
Some companies make donations. Others make community service part of who they are.
I was reminded of that Tuesday morning while visiting United Way of Lake County in Mentor, where Component Repair Technologies (CRT) employees were unloading more than three tons of food collected during the company's annual food drive for United Way of Lake County's Feed Lake County program.
The donation was impressive enough on its own. The food collected this year will provide an estimated 5,025 meals for local families facing food insecurity.
But as I spoke with employees, it quickly became clear that this effort represents something much bigger than a single food drive.
For more than two decades, CRT and its employees have quietly invested in the community they call home.
Last week, United Way of Lake County announced that the company and its workforce have contributed more than $1.27 million since 2004 through financial support, employee workplace giving and volunteer efforts.
That figure doesn't even include the thousands of pounds of food employees have donated through annual food drives over the years.
Friendly competition helps feed Lake County
What makes the food drive especially interesting is the friendly competition behind it.
Several years ago, CRT turned the campaign into a contest, pairing office employees with shop employees and awarding points for donations.
The system has evolved over time. Today, the highest point values are assigned to the food pantry's most-needed items, encouraging employees to donate products that will have the greatest impact.
CRT HR generalists Wendy Sabin and Kylie Gresock both echoed that the competition has become legendary within the company.
Employees, humbly calling themselves “Hunger Heroes,†eagerly track the standings, departments challenge one another and winning teams earn bragging rights, along with company t-shirts, hats and a celebratory lunch.
The strategy works: this year's effort produced more than three tons of food.
The spirit behind the campaign can be summed up in a company philosophy known as RAOWIT — Random Acts of Whatever It Takes.
Whether it's supporting Feed Lake County, sponsoring Christmas families, helping Birthright, supporting The Salvation Army or participating in numerous other charitable efforts throughout the year, employees embrace the idea that helping others is everyone's responsibility.
“It's the community we work in,†CRT Marketing Manager Frank Sulka said. “Many of our employees live here, work here and raise their families here. Giving back is simply the right thing to do.â€
That commitment extends beyond charitable giving. CRT invests heavily in its employees through profit-sharing programs, family activities, company outings and team-building events. Employees described a workplace culture centered on teamwork, service and community involvement.
CRT's commitment to helping the community
United Way President and CEO Dione DeMitro praised CRT's longstanding commitment to helping local families.
“CRT is an inspiration when it comes to giving back to the community,†she said. “Their generosity has touched countless lives, and their leadership serves as a powerful example of how businesses can make a lasting difference in the communities where they live and work.â€
The company's commitment is continuing to grow. In addition to this year's food donation, CRT has pledged $50,000 annually for the next three years to support United Way's programs and initiatives.
CRT President Richard Mears believes community investment is simply part of being a good corporate citizen.
“Supporting the communities where our employees live and work has always been a core value at CRT,†he said. “We believe businesses have a responsibility to give back, and we hope our continued support encourages others to step up and make a difference as well.â€
With nearly 500 employees and plans for future growth following its acquisition by Safran Aircraft Engines in 2025, CRT appears poised to continue expanding both its business operations and its community impact.
As I watched employees unload boxes and pallets Tuesday morning, I couldn't help but think that the true measure of a company isn't found in annual reports or balance sheets.
Sometimes it's found in the willingness of hundreds of employees to rally around a cause, fill a truck with food and help neighbors they may never meet.
That's the kind of investment that strengthens a community, one donation at a time.
When you see good news, and you will, please send it to cpriceconcord@aol.com. Include your name, phone number, city of residence and email address.
