JM Celebrates Global Community Day 2024

Since 2018, thousands of Johns Manville (JM) employees have participated in our annual Global Community Day, donating countless volunteer hours to the communities where we live and work. Unlike many companies that focus on a single issue or organization, JM’s community investment program is employee driven. We support the causes our employees care about, encouraging JMers to give back by donating their time and resources to issues close to their hearts. This passion for volunteerism is woven into our corporate culture and is included in JM’s sustainability goals.  Like every year, the JM Engineered Products plants joined these efforts, contributing to various community projects. Here’s a look at some of the incredible volunteer activities led by our teams globally.  

Toledo Metroparks at Side Cut Park 

JM Site: Waterville, OH, USA 

Learn more about Toledo Metroparks

Despite thunderstorms delaying the event, over 40 JM Waterville employees were eager to give back to their local community through the Metroparks system. The team focused on invasive species removal and vista improvement at Side Cut Metroparks, which is conveniently located close to our two plants.

Working between historical locks and the Maumee River, the team tackled overgrown non-native honeysuckle, clearing the way for future planting of native species. Meredith Busic, Volunteer Engagement Specialist at Metroparks, praised the group’s dedication and positive attitude, noting the significant impact they made despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.  

Gateway Rescue Mission

JM Site: Richland, MS, USA

Learn more about Gateway Rescue Mission

JM Richland held a plant-wide food drive for the Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, MS. The team delivered a substantial box of goods to the mission, which has been serving the homeless and hungry since 1948. Gateway Rescue Mission provides nutritious meals, clean beds, and messages of hope through faith. The event was a testament to the community spirit and generosity of JM employees. Additionally, the day was marked by celebrations for long-time JMers Jill Havard’s 25 and Charles Slaughter’s 30 years of service.

Willie Smith, Production Superintendent, remarked, “Our team’s dedication to supporting the Gateway Rescue Mission and celebrating the milestones of Jill and Charles exemplifies the camaraderie of our JM community at Richland. It’s inspiring to see everyone come together to make a difference in both our workplace and in the broader community.” 

Humane Society, CureSearch & Hurricane Relief Efforts

JM Site: Spartanburg, SC, USA

Spartanburg Humane Society & Local Non-Profit Spay and Neuter Clinic 

Learn more about Animal Allies Spay & Neuter Clinic  |  Learn more about Spartanburg Humane Society

In a heartwarming show of community spirit, 11 teammates from JM Spartanburg responded to a shortage of newspaper donations for kennel linings at Animal Allies and the Spartanburg Humane Society. The team repurposed polyester spunbond material, cutting it to sizes and creating manageable rolls. They insisted on personally delivering and unloading the rolls, to support animal welfare.  

Ultimate Hike for CureSearch 

Learn more about CureSearch Ultimate Hike

Shawn Pauley, Quality Manager, participated in the Ultimate Hike for CureSearch, an event raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Having completed 18 hikes as a hiker, coach, or trail ambassador, Shawn joined passionate supporters and survivors to help find a cure for childhood cancer. 

Hurricane Relief Efforts 

In response to the devastation of Hurricane Helene on September 27, JM Spartanburg employees sprang into action as soon as the storm passed. Teams began clearing local roads of fallen trees, checking on friends, coworkers, and neighbors, and donating supplies to support those affected by the storm. Other employees delivered essential supplies, including food, water, and hygiene items, to one of the hardest-hit areas, navigating washed-out roads and destroyed bridges to reach those in need. JM provided fuel for their vehicles and equipment, ensuring they could continue their relief efforts.  

Additionally, JMers used heavy equipment to clear roads, cut downed trees, and remove debris from houses in Spartanburg and nearby areas. They also performed wellness checks, coordinated food donations, and provided long-term support for vulnerable community members. In a heartwarming act, some employees rescued four kittens with serious respiratory infections, nursed them back to health, and arranged for future adoption.

Andy Universal, Spartanburg plant leader, said: “Seeing our team come together for our communities has been incredible. I’m extremely proud of everyone’s contributions and the positive impact we’ve made together.” 

Grace & Mercy Ministries 

JM Site: Etowah, TN, USA 

Learn more about Grace & Mercy Ministries

The JM Etowah team contributed their time and resources to Grace & Mercy Ministries, a community outreach organization dedicated to feeding the hungry, reducing poverty, restoring dignity, and fostering self-reliance. By providing and serving a nutritious meal, JM volunteers aimed to offer support and connection to those in need. 

In a message of thanks, Grace & Mercy Ministries shared their appreciation: “Johns Manville provided and served our meal today. They were an impressive group of men and women. Thank you for bringing Johns Manville to serve alongside us and for providing a delicious meal. We hope to see y'all again whenever possible. All of you were phenomenal! We thank each of you for your hard work and service today.” 

For the JM Etowah team, the experience was rewarding, bringing together JM’s commitment to community care with Grace & Mercy Ministries’ mission of uplifting lives in the local area. 

Retirement Home

JM Site: Trnava, Slovakia

A dedicated team of five JM Trnava employees spent the day volunteering at a local old people's home during its open house and Autumn Fair. The facility, which serves 150 elderly residents - many of whom have disabilities or are wheelchair-bound - was filled with smiles and laughter on this beautiful autumn day.  

JM volunteers assisted the residents in reaching the main venue to enjoy performances by local dancing and singing groups. While residents watched, our team served coffee, cake, and refreshments, later distributing traditional fair food, including roast meat in a bun. The staff, who often manage these responsibilities alone, expressed heartfelt thanks for our team’s presence, as it allowed them a rare opportunity to enjoy the event with residents without the usual demands of their work.  

“We were so happy to see the joy on everyone’s faces. It was an honor to give back to those who once contributed so much to our community”, shared Jana Fancovicova, one of the JM volunteers.  

The visit was especially meaningful as our team encountered former JM employees among the residents. They shared stories of their time at JM, and our volunteers enjoyed reminiscing and sharing updates on JM’s recent projects. The day closed with a sense of fulfillment, and the JM Trnava team is already looking forward to returning for future events. 

Bobinger Table

JM Site: Bobingen, Germany

Learn more about Bobinger Table

JM Bobingen’s Community Day focused on supporting “Bobinger Tisch” (Bobinger Table), an initiative by Caritas, Germany’s largest welfare association. JM employees collected and distributed food and hygiene items to those in need. Donations came from local supermarkets, retailers, private individuals, and other companies. Those unable to attend contributed items in advance, underscoring JM’s collective involvement.  

“The commitment of our teams made a real difference for the people in our city,” said Suzana Lazarevic, HR Business Partner.  

The initiative supports 120 families in Bobingen, offering weekly food support. 

Messelauf Charity Run

JM Site: Wertheim, Germany

The JM Wertheim team participated in the annual “Wertheimer Messelauf,” a local charity run, with an impressive 123 runners, defending their title as the largest participating group. Plant Manager Alex Ueckert, true to his word, ran in full firefighter gear because he promised to do so if more than 100 employees joined in. 

“It’s truly motivating to see our team come together, not just for the fun of the run but to make a meaningful contribution to our community”, he remarked.  

Despite rainy weather, JMers and their families enthusiastically took part in various races ranging from 400 meters to 10 kilometers, each step adding to JM’s donation. Recipient of this year’s €1,500 donation is the Wertheim Youth Fire Brigade to support their valuable volunteer work.