We're grateful to be a part of the communities we serve, and now more than ever, it is important to continue supporting and showing up in any capacity that we can. As we all learned to navigate the uncertainty of a global pandemic, our essential associates at Coke Northeast found creative ways to lift people’s spirits and give back, especially to all the front-line workers in the region. Here are some of the highlights that kept us going during these challenging times.
In April, Ray Dube, sustainability manager at Coke Northeast, saw an opportunity to provide much-needed logistics and supply chain support to help nonprofit makerspace MakeIt Labs produce face shields to protect front-line healthcare workers. Ray connected MakeIt volunteers with Coca-Cola plastic recycler UltrePet and packaging manufacturer Easypak, LLC to donate and transport clean PET plastic sheeting to make the specialty shields. EasyPak donated approximately 6,000 pounds of clear PET sheeting, the same material we use for our beverage bottles, and Coke Northeast delivery trucks transported the Coke system’s first large-scale donation of PET sheets.
This early work provided valuable learnings, and The Coca-Cola Company expanded its collaboration with manufacturers and the makers community to donate an additional 50,000 face shields to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in late May.
Coca-Cola Boston donated 440 cases of product to support two new temporary homeless shelters that the City of Boston set up in April in response to the coronavirus’ impact on the homeless community.
Coca-Cola Londonderry donated more than 700 cases of product to the doctors and nurses on the front lines at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH. A special shout out to Dan Tewksbury and Shayne Durant who initiated this generous donation.
Coca-Cola Providence organized a food drive in May for the YMCA and Family Resource Center in Taunton, MA. The team also donated cases of drinks to help support some of the YMCA programming to provide food and supplies for local families, childcare for first responders, and support groups run by clinicians.
In May, Coke Northeast donated more than 130 tablet and laptop computers to nursing homes, community centers and schools in New York and New Hampshire to support those receiving care and students adjusting to remote learning. We're honored to lend a hand and proud of all the wonderful community partners we have the pleasure of working with!
Life’s usual celebrations look a lot different this year, and few groups have experienced those impacts more than students. In June, we were honored to tip our hats to the Class of 2020! The Coca-Cola Company proudly partnered with Boston Public Schools to donate graduation caps and gowns made of 100% recycled plastic to over 3,000 graduating seniors. Just like recycling, endless possibilities lay ahead for these students. Special thanks to our friends TD Garden for collecting bottles to be transformed into caps and gowns for the celebration.
Coca-Cola Burlington partnered with Al's French Frys in July to donate water to Milton Family Community Center (MFCC). MFCC provides support and services to families living in Northern Chittenden County, Vermont, as well as in parts of Franklin/Grand Isle Counties. In addition to being a family resource center, MFCC is also a partner of the United Way of Northwest Vermont and the Vermont Food Bank, all working together in the fight against hunger.
Coca-Cola Burlington honored long-time customer Jim Currier, owner of Currier's Quality Market in Glover, VT, with a custom crystal coke bottle. Jim, who will be retiring in August, has owned the market for 53 years and has been a Coca-Cola customer for 50 of them.
Not only is it important for us to serve our communities, but it’s also important for us to recognize our best asset— Coke Northeast associates, our people!
Coca-Cola Londonderry had planned an Associate Appreciation Day for April 1st to thank everyone for their great participation in our company-wide engagement survey and to also recognize associates celebrating big milestone anniversaries. Due to the pandemic, the big celebration had to be postponed, but associates were still recognized for their anniversaries with a special engraved clock to signify our appreciation for their time and service. Pictured: Ron & Marilyn Beauchesne celebrating 30 years!
During the early weeks of the pandemic, Coca-Cola Cape Cod’s front office associates joined forces and volunteered to make cloth masks for the branch. They took care of our front line employees while we awaited a large shipment of face coverings and other personal protective equipment.
Coca-Cola Hartford’s Small Store/ Full Service on Premise (FSPO) account manager Geoff Newcombe received the Kevin Joseph Memorial Award. This award is in honor of the late Kevin “Bear” Halloran, Coca-Cola Hartford account manager, who passed away suddenly in 2017. The award is given to the account manager who best demonstrates passion, loyalty and commitment to serving our customers. Well done Geoff!
On June 17, we were honored to celebrate the grand opening of our Naugatuck, CT Sales Center with Mayor Pete Hess, our Board Chairman Steve Burrows, President Mark Francoeur and other company leaders.125 of our fantastic associates call this newly renovated, 70,000 square foot facility home. We're thrilled to continue serving our customers in the region, and offer our best to the team in Naugatuck as they settle in to their new building.
