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Stories of Giving Back

Giving back to your local communities helps bridge social and economic gaps while cultivating a culture of support. Read what two JX Gives Back Family Foundation donors have to say about their experience with giving back. 

Sandy Kennedy, Branch Coordinator, JX Truck Center – Elmhurst 

Sandy has been involved with the JX Gives Back since the beginning of the program. Sandy gives in more ways than through her bi-weekly donations. “There are so many things you can do,” says Sandy. She involves her grandchildren in volunteer opportunities whether it is collecting school supplies or participating in fundraising events. Sandy chooses to give back because you never know when you will change a person’s life. Regularly lending a helping hand to food pantries such as New Hope Community Food Pantry and Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry is one way JX Gives Back’s mission provides support to neighbors. 

Sandy Kennedy’s granddaughter, Noelle giving back

Sandy Kennedy’s granddaughter, Noelle, purchasing perishable goods for a food donation.

Phil Koetje, Used Truck Sales Executive, JX Truck Center – Grand Rapids

Phil, a JX Gives Back ambassador and committee member, describes JX Gives Back as a “light in the corner of the world”. JX Gives Back allows JX associates to connect and build meaningful relationships with community members. Supporting not-for-profit organizations that are actively breaking the cycle of poverty, specifically in youth, is important to him. Organizations such as Dorr to Eden, 4 Kids Sake, Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, and Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha remove barriers, empower youth, and forge a path to success. He would like to reach out to JX employees and community members in the hope to encourage donation requests of 501(c)(3) organizations that are positively impacting others.

Phil Koetje giving back

Phil Koetje (right) presenting a JX Gives Back check to the Buist Community Assistance Center, an independent, non-profit organization providing food and clothing for those in need.

If you would like to participate towards the JX Gives Back mission, your donation will be 100% matched by the Jorgensen Family, up to $10,000 every month.  This match will be in addition to the JX associates donations provided every month. Share your stories to jxgivesback@jxe.com.

Author: Emily Hautzinger, Corporate Outreach Coordinator