Every September, American Water makes a company-wide commitment to give back to the communities it serves with our AmerICANs in Action! Month of Service. In previous years, this challenge has been met with organized events filled with members of our team. In fact, in 2019, more than 1,100 American Water employees participated in more than 90 different community volunteer projects, providing a record-breaking 5,100 hours of service.
This year, on the 10th anniversary of AmerICANs in Action!, our annual effort was reimagined. We encouraged employees to offer their time and generosity by volunteering from a distance, and we are beyond proud of the results.
Many of our dedicated employees have taken it upon themselves to step up, go out and give back – in a socially-distanced, safe way. Read on for some highlights from the “at-home” edition of AmerICANs in Action!.
Michelle Serravillo – Production Clerk, New York American Water
This month, Michelle Serravillo volunteered at a beach clean-up on Long Island, NY. The day-long activity resulted in the collection of over 100 pounds of garbage off of the oceanfront. Michelle even brought her daughter along to get involved in the cause alongside her mom.
Missouri American Water
To support their community in Creve Coeur, MO, and being mindful of distancing protocols, Lead Operations Support Representative Amy Duncan, and
Field Service Representatives Ron Holzum (pictured), Pete Steward and Mike Graff, spent two hours picking up trash at the Dignity section of the fence line at Every Child’s Hope Children’s Home – a transitional home for youth who have experienced trauma, abuse and/or neglect. They were able to clean a mile of land and fill three bags with trash to spruce up the area for this wonderful organization and the kids it serves.
Kell
i Ray – American Water Resources
Kelli Ray gave back to the canine community in Alton, IL. For nine hours, Kelli cleaned kennels, took dogs on walks (totaling 5 miles!) and, overall, provided Hope Animal Rescue’s residents with some much-needed TLC.
Here, we’ve included an image of one of the many animals available for adoption at the shelter. Click here for more information.
Amy Hanold – Alton Call Center, American Water
For Amy Hanold, giving back to the community starts with our youth. Not only did this American Water call center employee collect trash spanning an almost 3-mile-long area, she made it a family affair, too by including her son in the job.
While AmerICANs in Action! may have been different this year, it turned out to be more special than we could have imagined. When events were canceled, our employees found ways to continue the meaning of the program on their own time, in their own way. At American Water, we are so proud to have a team made up of individuals who take the initiative to do more for the communities they live in and serve.
