Dollar General Continues Employee Recognition Through DG Kindness Campaign
Dollar General, in its company mission of Serving Others, recognizes the following employees in its 2023 DG Kindness campaign, which launched in 2020 to recognize employees’ positive impacts across the country.
Each DG Kindness recipient receives a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit organization of their choosing on behalf of Dollar General and are nominated by fellow employees who recognize their colleagues’ efforts and charitable work.
“It is an honor to hear and share our teams’ stories that make meaningful differences in Dollar General’s hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, Dollar General’s VP of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy. “The DG Kindness campaign celebrates employees’ commitment to Serving Others, whether providing excellent customer service to DG shoppers or going the extra mile to support a cause or organization, and we look forward to highlighting additional employees’ steadfast embodiment of our mission.”
Employees recognized by the DG Kindness campaign in 2023 include:
John C., Store Manager in Stearns, KY
When DG Store Manager John S. arrived to work one cold morning in Stearns, KY, he was surprised to find a small, orphaned puppy cowering on the sidewalk. John jumped into action, helping to warm the little guy up and fill his belly. Soon after, one of his regular customers stopped in and asked if he could give the puppy a home.
“Pistol” and proud human Gilbert, a veteran and retired teacher, are now loving companions. In celebration of National Pet Month in May 2023, John and DG coworkers sent Pistol and his brother (also a rescue) some goodies from DG’s private brands, Nature’s Menu, Heartland Farm and Forever Pals.
To honor John’s commitment to living out the company’s mission of Serving Others, DG Kindness awarded $1,000 to the Animal Protection League of McCreary County.
Jeanette G., Store Manager and Shana B., Assistant Store Manager in New Port Richey, FL
Store Manager Jeanette G. and Assistant Store Manager Shana B. in New Port Richey, FL recycled used Dollar General shopping bags to help our environment and their community. The recycled bags are given to a local nonprofit, Hands of the Goddess, to create blankets and tote bags for homeless residents.
“The Dollar General team members in New Port Richey understand that serving our community means so much more than what we offer customers at our storefront,” said Jeanette. “Our team was thrilled to help provide the $1,000 DG Kindness donation to aid Hands of the Goddess’ efforts. These funds will help volunteers purchase food and toiletries to place in the repurposed tote bags!”
Mike W., Maintenance Manager, Store Support Center in Goodlettsville, TN
For the past 12 years, Mike W. and his local church members have supported various disaster efforts in Lynch and Harlan Counties in Eastern Kentucky. It’s not uncommon for Mike to use his personal vacation days to host a trip once or twice a year.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to spend time away from work. Helping others brings joy to my heart,” said Mike. “We help to rebuild people’s lives when they lost everything. Our mission is to help bring back normalcy and to share the love of God. I am blessed to work for Dollar General and for them giving me the time to help people in need.”
Mike and his church members’ efforts were especially impactful following the July 2022 flooding that devasted communities across east Kentucky. The teams shoveled mud, mucked houses, removed fallen trees, hauled away trash and debris, hung drywall, built decks and addressed overall maintenance needs.
As a result of Mike’s acts of compassion, Dollar General awarded $1,000 to Heritage Ministries to further their ability to mobilize help when storms impact communities.
Marcus M., Fresh Distribution Center Warehouse Supervisor II in Montgomery, AL
Marcus M. recently received the prestigious award of Volunteer of the Year by his local YMCA for his outstanding service and work with the youth in his community.
The recognition reflects Marcus’s leadership of “The Big Brown Bus” initiative, which provides a bus that goes into neighborhoods in need to feed more than 175 children each day. Additionally, he works closely with local high school students to provide a safe space and support.
Dollar General awarded $1,000 to Marcus’ local YMCA to aid the organization in their efforts to providing comprehensive programs and services that enrich communities across the country.
“Developing and being available for our young people is my priority,” shared Marcus. “They are our future. The $1,000 donation will go a long way to help with the YMCA tutoring and after-school program support.”
Angela C., IT Senior Business Analyst, Store Support Center in Goodlettsville, TN
Angela C. has not only been serving Dollar General’s IT and Finance divisions for more than 16 years but her hometown community is Crestview, FL. As a volunteer for Dinner at Dad’s Compassionate Ministries, Inc., Angela works to plan and serve nutritious meals along with her church and community partners to those who need it most.
“I believe that every human being deserves to be treated with kindness, love and dignity,” shared Angela. “This ministry was founded because we want those that we serve meals to feel like they are coming home and eating with family.”
The $1,000 award provided through DG Kindness will help provide warm, home-cooked meals, hygiene products and school backpacks for those in need in the Okaloosa County community.