“DPR Construction – Integral and Indispensable to San Diego Food Bank’s Success in Assisting Low-Income Community Members”The vision of DPR Construction is to be “integral and indispensable” to the communities the San Diego builder serves. This company-wide vision manifests itself at the local level through a series of volunteer activities and community projects organized by individuals with a passion for getting involved and making a difference. Recently, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and the low-income, food insecure community members we serve have been the beneficiaries of DPR Construction’s team member’s skill and passion for enriching the San Diego community.Beginning with last September’s 25 Days 25 Year company celebration, continuing with the 12 Days of Giving effort in December and including last month’s volunteer showing at the Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse, the team from DPR Construction has regularly found ways to support the work of the Food Bank in addressing hunger issues. Led by Sarah Williams, the building company’s service is always marked by enthusiasm, selflessness and dedication to the project.”With the Food Bank we can have a direct impact on the community,” said Williams in explaining why DPR Construction has chosen to get involved in this way. “It puts our people in the community with an established organization that has a great track record. It’s the type of impact DPR Construction wants to have. We know what we are doing is helping other people. And, we have a great time getting the job done.”Teams of DPR Construction volunteers have sorted food products, stocked boxes and assisted with other production tasks during their time at the Food Bank. The local company, one of San Diego’s top-ranked builders, has also hosted a virtual food drive to garner financial support for the Food Bank’s work. In addition, Williams worked with Food Bank staff to write and submit a grant application to the DPR Foundation. That effort resulted in a grant award of $10,000 being presented to the Food Bank to provide support for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, which provides weekend food to chronically-hungry elementary school children.”For me personally, I was really affected by the volunteer orientation video we were shown and the number of children who go hungry in our community,” Williams shared. “My primary passion and area of interest lies with helping youth. I was very excited the grant proposal was selected for funding. It’s nice to know how strong the Food Bank is and how many individuals and other organizations it supports.”According to Williams, DPR Construction’s ongoing engagement with the Food Bank will continue throughout 2016 with several future opportunities already scheduled.”We have a lot of good-hearted people and it’s as easy as pointing them in the right direction,” Williams said. “People who have gone and volunteered at the Food Bank have had fun doing it. It’s great when you know what you are doing is helping other people.”The Food Bank sends a heartfelt “Thankful Thursday” thank you to the wonderful team from DPR Construction for all of their support – volunteer and financial. No doubt, you are an integral and indispensable part of our efforts to address hunger and food insecurity in our local community.If you or your group would like to set up a time to come in and volunteer at the Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse, please check out the “Volunteer” page on our website here and complete the “Group Registration” form. For assistance, contact Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Cristina Sierra at 858-863-5121.
