U.S. Battery employees Sabastian Gonzalez and Roberto Miranda prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
BCI Member Company Employees Give Generously to Those in Need
Ho, ho … hold on. Despite what glitzy shops and stores project outward during the holidays, it can be a difficult time for many individuals and families. We’re proud to share how two Battery Council International (BCI) member companies, U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company and Stryten Energy, show tremendous generosity and community support, especially during the hectic holiday season.
U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company Supports Operation Christmas Child
Headquartered in Corona, California, U.S. Battery Manufacturing Company is an industry leader in manufacturing deep cycle flooded lead batteries. It’s also a company deeply committed to doing good, with a focus on helping families.
This holiday season marks the seventh year that its employees have participated in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a Christian outreach program run by the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Organization since 1970. Each year, OCC sends out red and green empty shoe-size boxes for volunteers to fill with toys, toiletries and other items for children in need.
U.S. Battery employees typically prepare nearly 200 boxes. Their contribution has helped Samaritan’s Purse deliver nearly 210 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries and territories since 1993.
The gift boxes are shipped to pastors and community leaders and given to children living in remote areas. According to OCC, the Christmas boxes are often delivered by boat, walked through jungles, or even by camel to their destinations.
Ron Anderson is U.S. Battery’s Executive Vice President and a volunteer at the company’s sorting facility that prepares the boxes. He said the company is committed to fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.
“I believe that in giving, we receive the truest gifts of the season. Our longstanding dedication to initiatives like OCC and supporting local causes, such as the Clark County Sheriff’s auction whose proceeds buy holiday gifts for local children, reflects our belief that every child deserves a moment of joy during the holidays,” Anderson explained. “It’s not just a tradition for us. It’s a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those who may need a little extra cheer.”
Stryten Energy Spreads Out Its Holiday Giving
Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, Stryten Energy is a leading provider of energy storage solutions for transportation and industrial markets. Its growing team of 2,500 employees work to meet the increasing demand for reliable energy storage technologies.
One of the company’s core values is commitment – to each other, their customers and their communities. It’s evident throughout the year, but most visible during the holiday season. Here are some ways employees pitch in to help others.
From the Heartland to Overseas Military Personnel
Stryten Energy employees in Manchester, Iowa, showed their support for active-duty military personnel who will be away from home during the holidays. The employees collected essentials and non-perishable items and shipped the kits in time for Christmas.
Manchester employees are also making the holidays brighter for five children in their community through the Operation Santa Claus-Delaware County program. A tree was decorated with tags listing items that were needed and wanted for the children. Employees took the tags, purchased the items, and the gifts will be delivered to the children prior to Christmas.
Operation Gratitude Provides Hygiene Kits
Stryten Energy employees recently participated in Operation Gratitude. To honor the service of our military, employees assembled 500 hygiene care kits that will go to deployed troops.
Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent a total of 3.5 million care packages containing carefully chosen items meant to boost the morale and resilience of service members and provide warm reminders of home. Up to 200,000 Care Packages are sent per year.
Holiday Wreaths to Remember the Fallen
With a mission statement of, “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”, Wreaths Across America honors our country’s veterans by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves each Christmas season. It’s a tradition that started more than 30 years ago. It continues on December 16, 2023, as volunteers at cemeteries across America will meet again to place wreaths. Stryten Energy has sponsored over 200 wreaths for veterans’ graves in Georgia.
In 2022, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations.
Foosball and Food Donation in Ottawa
Stryten Energy’s Ottawa office not only collected non-perishable items for a local food bank. It added an element of fun to the event. Employees were invited to drop off their food items and join a foosball tournament. Over a few weeks’ time, the food collection boxes filled up, and the tournament progressed.
“The local food banks are struggling to support a growing demand in our community, and although it may not seem like a much, every bit helps and we are trying to do what we can,” said Scott Smith, Engineering Director at Stryten.
Making 150 Blankets for Foster Children
Stryten Energy headquarters’ employees recently gathered to make 150 “tie” blankets for local foster children. Since foster kids often move to different homes, a special tag was included on each blanket to ensure the blanket stays with the child.
“This service project is part of our ‘Season of Giving’ at headquarters,” explained Natalie Jeter, HR Manager. “I’m so proud that we can help foster children right here in our own community.”
Join the Giving for Good
BCI thanks all its member companies and employees who give their time and resources, especially during the holidays. By sharing these stories, members of the lead battery industry hope to inspire other companies to give generously and support their communities throughout the year.
