How Bridgestone is Changing Lives in Akron
Bridgestone Americas is making a significant impact in Akron, Nashville, and Cleveland through their partnership with United Way. Since 2015, they have raised over $17 million to address critical issues like hunger and homelessness in these cities.
More Than Just Fundraising
Bridgestone's commitment goes beyond financial contributions. They actively encourage their employees to volunteer. In just one week, their workers dedicated over 300 hours to various community service activities, including sorting food and cleaning parks.
"Being a good neighbor means more than just writing checks. It's about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved."
The Need in Akron
In Akron, where Bridgestone has a significant employee presence, the need is profound. The United Way of Summit and Medina received over 175,058 requests for help in 2024. More than half of these requests were for food and housing. The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank reports that 22,710 kids in Summit County do not have enough to eat. Additionally, only 46% of third graders in Akron Public Schools read at or above grade level.
Challenges in Cleveland and Nashville
Cleveland, another city with Bridgestone offices, has the highest child poverty rate of any major city in the U.S. In Nashville, where Bridgestone's headquarters is located, thousands of children have experienced homelessness.
A Commitment to Lasting Impact
Bridgestone's partnership with United Way is focused on making a lasting impact. They aim to understand the issues and work collaboratively to address them effectively.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improving mental and physical health
- Enhancing career growth
- Fostering community connections
A Week of Service
During a special week in November, over 1,100 Bridgestone employees in Akron, Cleveland, and Nashville volunteered with United Way partners. They engaged in activities such as sorting food, donating blood, and cleaning parks.
Inspiring Others
Bridgestone hopes their efforts will inspire others to take similar actions. They believe that when people come together, they can make a real difference.
