For the second consecutive year, associates put on their Publix Serves shirts and demonstrated Mr. George’s legacy of giving by donating their time and talents to their communities.

More than 4,500 associates across six states volunteered with 130 local nonprofit organizations during Publix Serves Day, a companywide day of service. Projects included donating or serving food at shelters, sorting items, building and repairing homes and community beautification. Retired CEO Ed Crenshaw joined in, spending his last official day of employment volunteering alongside associates in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Some of District Manager Vince Mingione’s associates volunteered at Cullman [Alabama] Caring for Kids. They sorted produce, meat and bakery donations, and inspected and washed donated eggs. The organization was immensely grateful — the executive director said Publix is the best thing to ever come to Cullman, and Publix’s donations have improved the quality, quantity and selection of food available to its clients.

In District Manager Kevin Donlan’s area, several associates gathered to help complete improvements in and around Anderson [South Carolina] Interfaith Ministries’ headquarters. At the organization’s food bank, the group was surprised by a special visitor — Ed Crenshaw! The team was excited to work alongside Ed during his last day as CEO, and the associates were proud knowing they made an impact on their community.

Thirty-five associates from District Manager Charles Gainer’s area spent the morning at Grace Marketplace, an assistance center that provides shelter, meals and other services in Alachua County, Florida. The associates cooked and prepared meals for the hungry and homeless. The experience inspired several associates to come back and give again.

About 40 associates from District Manager Allyn Welch’s district partnered with Habitat for Humanity – Hernando County, Florida. They spent time hanging drywall at the future home of a family of five. But the associates’ service didn’t end on Publix Serves Day — on the day the home is dedicated, they will go back to stock the home’s pantry with groceries.

Associates from District Manager Nick Berardino’s area volunteered at Feeding South Florida, a Feeding America affiliate serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The team helped sort and inspect more than 68,000 pounds of food, and they contributed a donation that will buy more than 5,900 meals for local families in need of food assistance.

“I was proud to see all of our folks out working hard to make a difference in our communities. You can’t truly understand what an impact you have made. You are a great example for our team.“
— District Manager Keith Gilbert

“I can’t believe what they [Publix volunteers] accomplished in such a short time that day. They were amazing to work with. We can’t thank them all enough for their hard work.”
— Elisa Stone, Covenant House Florida Director of Development