United Way still trucking thanks to Bridgestone

Though United Way of Warren County is going through some difficult times financially these days, with the loss of many of its major contributors, the organization is finding it can still count on its old friends, like Bridgestone Firestone, which is continuing its support for the long-standing charitable organization.

In addition to organizing several fundraisers for United Way this year, and implementing a payroll deduction program, the company also makes a significant donation through its Bridgestone Firestone corporate trust fund program.

Bridgestone Firestone Human Resources section manager Libby Rutledge and HR coordinator Stefanie Richards recently presented a check for $12,825 from the trust fund to United Way secretary Susie Griffith, along with $1,246 raised by teammates.

?We give a donation from the Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund every year,? Rutledge said, ?and then we also let employees do payroll deduction.?

According to Richards, 86 Bridgestone Firestone teammates are involved in the payroll deduction program. Some teammates do a one-time donation, while others have a set amount taken out of each check.

Both Rutledge and Richards say the process is relatively easy to set up and maintain and they would encourage any business interested in donating to United Way contact them to begin a payroll deduction program.

In fact, Bridgestone Firestone felt strongly enough about the importance of supporting United Way the company came up with a unique way to inspire teammates to participate.

?This year teammates participated in a ?Day of Caring? where we chose some of our employees to go with us to look at some of the organizations that United Way funds,? Rutledge said. ?So that they can get an idea of what these organizations do out in the community, so they know where their money?s going.?

Some of those included going out with Meals on Wheels and visiting the Senior Center. Both Rutledge and Richards say the event was quite successful.

Griffith says, at this point, Bridgestone Firestone is the mainstay of United Way of Warren County.

?I think it?s great what they are doing,? Griffith said. ?Of course if it wasn?t for Bridgestone Firestone we might have to dissolve United Way here in Warren County, because they?re our biggest contributor now. If it wasn?t for Bridgestone Firestone we wouldn?t be able to exist.?