How Bridgestone is Changing Lives in Akron

Bridgestone Americas is making a big difference in Akron, Nashville, and Cleveland. They have teamed up with United Way to tackle serious issues like hunger and homelessness. Since 2015, they have raised over $17 million for United Way in these cities. But Bridgestone didn't stop at fundraising. They also encourage their employees to volunteer. In just one week, their workers put in over 300 hours of volunteer work. They sorted food, cleaned parks, and more. Bridgestone knows that being a good neighbor means more than just writing checks. It's about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved. They believe that real change comes from giving time, not just money. In Akron, where Bridgestone has many employees, the need is great. United Way of Summit and Medina got more than 175, 058 requests for help in 2024. Over half of these were for food and housing. The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank says 22, 710 kids in Summit County don't have enough to eat. And in Akron Public Schools, only 46% of third graders read at or above grade level. Cleveland, where Bridgestone has offices, has the highest child poverty rate of any big city in the U. S. In Nashville, where Bridgestone's headquarters is, thousands of kids have experienced homelessness. Bridgestone's partnership with United Way is all about making a lasting impact. They don't just want to throw money at problems. They want to understand the issues and work together to fix them. Volunteering has benefits too. It can improve mental and physical health. It can also help people grow in their careers. Plus, it brings people together to help others. During a special week in November, Bridgestone employees in Akron, Cleveland, and Nashville volunteered with United Way partners. They sorted food, gave blood, and cleaned parks. Over 1, 100 employees took part. Bridgestone hopes their efforts will inspire others to do the same. They believe that when people come together, they can make a real difference.