Non-profits are essential during times of crisis and disaster. They keep every day, fundamental activities operating, many of which serve a vulnerable population. So when our community impact partners started to inquire about PPE related items, Capital Area United Way had to find that link to help them continue their services as safely as possible. Thankfully, ExxonMobil , one of our corporate partners, identified an important community need and shifted into a unique role during the COVID-19 pandemic - modifying and utilizing their production facilities to produce hand sanitizer.
“The changes to our operations that resulted in our hand sanitizer donation does reflect the ingenuity and talent of our people but underneath the hard work and swift diligence is the soul and spirit that went into this creative act of innovation – a spirit of selflessness that was determined to do our part in serving our communities,” said ExxonMobil Chemical Plant Manager Dave Luecke
Locally ExxonMobil began to increase their supply of isopropyl alcohol, a key ingredient in sanitizer, by 3,000 tons per month. To produce, package and distribute hand sanitizer, the company purchased additional ingredients and modified equipment in Baton Rouge and at a lubricants plant in nearby Port Allen, Louisiana. Through Exxon’s generosity, Capital Area United Way received 288 quarts of sanitizer that was then distributed to 20 local nonprofits partners to aid them in reopening their doors or, in some cases, continue to safely continue operations to the community.
One of our community partners that received hand sanitizer was The Emerge Center. The Emerge Center works closely with children with autism and individuals with communication challenges to achieve independence through innovative and family-centered therapies. Their work is necessary during this time, and this gift allowed them to resume operations and continue the services they provide to the Capital area.
“The Emerge Center is deeply grateful to receive donated hand sanitizer from CAUW. With these critical supplies, we have been able to re-open our doors and resume our therapy services for children with autism knowing that we are ensuring the health and safety of our clients and staff,” said Deanna Whittle, CEO, The Emerge Center.
We want to thank ExxonMobil for their dedication to a safe and healthy community. As a corporate partner of Capital Area United Way, we are grateful for their commitment to our organization and the local community. Innovation is a key aspect of getting us through this pandemic, and this small but significant gesture will create a great impact, enabling our partners to reopen safely and serve the community as we move toward recovery from this pandemic.
