The Somers-based Pepsi Beverages Company is holding its fourth annual Gives Back Days Wednesday and Thursday, when Pepsi employees will volunteer at more than 20 charitable organizations in Westchester and Putnam counties and Connecticut.
Joe Coussan, a spokesperson for PBC, said that approximately 500 employees will participate in various volunteer activities over the next two days.
Pepsi Beverages Company, the bottling division of PepsiCo, in January, and Coussan said that has made this year's event even more pertinent.
Besides a reaffirmation of doing business in the area, Coussan said the Gives Back Days are part of PepsiCo's dedication to "Performance With a Purpose."
"The event is an articulation of our support for the communities in which we work and live," Coussan said.
Jeanne Wilcox, the spokeswoman for the The Food Bank for Westchester, says the non-profit organization relies heavily on corporate volunteers to help repackage food for distribution to food pantries and other hunger-relief groups all over the county. She said the Food Bank works regularly with Pepsi volunteer groups.
"We buy or aquire much of our food in bulk quantities and repack for delivery," Wilcox said. "In order to accomplish that, it's a major feat."
Pepsi participates in the annual where corporate teams compete against each other to repackage the most food.
Pepsi employees will be volunteering at the following organizations June 15 and 16. Click on the links to learn more about the organizations.
Somers
USO Bike Build- Bicycle assembly and distribution to military families
Somers Manor - Assisting Alzheimer's patients
Only Make Believe - Costume creation
Muscoot Farm - Exterior painting of barn
Mt. Kisco
Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester - Clearing a walking trail and picnic area, painting
Peekskill
Oakside Elementary School - Painting a teaching map of the USA
Hillcrest Upper Elementary School - Painting a teaching map of the USA
Pleasantville
Hillside Food Outreach - Repackage food in suitable quantities for distribution
Yonkers
Leake and Watts - Career exploration program with teens
Yorktown Heights
Westchester Land Trust - Bridge repairs and trail clean-up
Putnam
Camp Combe YMCA - Construction and gardening
United Way of Westchester and Putnam - Born Learning Trail installation
Millwood
The Food Bank for Westchester - Repackage food in suitable quantities for distribution
Connecticut
Bartlett Arboreteum, Stamford - Bamboo perimeter and storage shed assembly
Ability Beyond Disability, New Fairfield - Painting and lawn maintenance
Childcare Learning Centers, Stamford - Assist teachers with math-related activities
Interlude Inc., Danbury - Paint residential facility
United Way of Western Connecticut, Danbury - Born Learning Trail installation
Audubon Center at Greenwich, Greenwich - Trail clean-up, planting, bird watching booth installation
Kids in Crisis, Cos Cob - Assembling goody bags for Triathalon
YMCA Central Connecticut Coast, Monroe - Summer camp preparation and painting
If you want to find out about volunteer opportunities in your community, visit the Volunteer Center of United Way.
