In a warehouse filled with stacks of books, volunteers from FirstEnergy joined efforts to support the Kids Book Bank. This organization has distributed over 4.7 million books since 2016, aiming to provide children in Greater Cleveland with access to home libraries.
Kelly Kovacevich, an engineer at FirstEnergy, expressed her enthusiasm for the cause: “I read so many books when I was a kid, so I think it's a great cause. I just want to help my community, and I think volunteering in ways like this brings you closer to people.” Kovacevich was among several FirstEnergy employees who participated in sorting and packing children's books as part of events leading up to Martin Luther King Day.
Leslie Fitzsimmons from the Kids Book Bank highlighted the connection between their mission and Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision: “MLK had a vision that everyone would be equal, everyone would have the same rights. A part of that is giving every kid the same access to own books that they choose and are excited about, no matter where they live in northeast Ohio.”
FirstEnergy employees also volunteered at other local nonprofits within the company's service area. In Cleveland, some employees helped at Ohio Bike City by sorting bike parts for reuse. The organization refurbishes donated bicycles for community members.
In Toledo, FirstEnergy staff assisted at the Western Avenue Family Center by unloading boxes and packing food bags for those in need. Another group served lunch and packed hygiene kits at Cherry Street Mission.
In Akron, volunteers worked at Haven of Rest providing meals and other essential services such as shelter and clothing for those in need.
FirstEnergy encourages its employees' volunteerism year-round by offering each employee 16 hours of volunteer time off annually. This allows team members to support various nonprofit organizations.
“FirstEnergy helps employees expand their potential impact by continually planning and introducing us to new volunteer opportunities," said Kovacevich. "For example, I didn’t even know the Kids Book Bank existed. I really enjoyed serving there and will look for opportunities to support them in the future.”