Ford Volunteer Corps spring into Action Day

Thursday was Ford Accelerated Action Day for the Ford Volunteer Corps and around the nation, volunteers from employees and their families sprang into action to support needy children and families.

More than 600 Ford employees plus their families and other volunteers joined nonprofit partners to support children and families around the nation. The Ford MODEL Teams were at work in more than three dozen locations on Ford Accelerated Action Day this Thursday.

Ford gave grants totaling more than $53,000 for the day's efforts in communities ranging from Southeast Michigan to Arizona, Washington D.C., and many others. Employees stepped away from their desks and factory lines to help nonprofit organizations on more than three dozen projects to address urgent needs in their communities.

These local MODEL Teams work in their own communities to help those in need. The teams spent the day painting shelters, renovating homes or family centers, building storage facilities, and more.

“Investing in children and families is investing in the future of our communities,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “Ford’s contribution of time and resources delivers comfort today and hope for tomorrow, laying the foundation for a brighter future for everyone.”

More than fourteen projects in Southeast Michigan were included in this Action Day, each receiving up to $5,000 in grants plus volunteer labor from Ford employees. Projects ranged from helping students in Dearborn build a set for their school play to building food storage units for a rescue mission in Detroit to painting the interior of a residence for girls in Dearborn Heights. All of these coincided with a diaper and formula drive to help low-income families keep their new additions cared for, with more than a dozen Ford buildings in the Detroit area collecting for the need.

While the Ford MODEL Teams are active year round, the Volunteer Corps focuses its efforts on high-need and priority projects on Accelerated Action Days.

“Ford volunteers are hardworking and enthusiastic as they head out to make a positive difference for our neighbors in need,” said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “Our volunteers often find themselves deeply moved by the stories and the people they come to help. It’s an uplifting experience for all involved, because the good feeling of community and sharing goes both ways.”