The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Republic Services gives employees meals, gift cards
Republic Services employees received a $100 gift card and a meal for their families while returning from their routes as part of their $20 million “Committed to Serve” program.
The program, which launched in March according to a press release from the business, is striving to support local businesses and frontline Republic employees. At the Elyria location located at 40195 Butternut Ridge Road, 280 employees are provided meals twice a week.
So far, the initiative has put $39,000 into over 15 local businesses since March 24, such as Rubin’s Deli, Blue Sky Restaurant, Wolfey’s, Antonio’s Pizza, Bread-n-brew, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Mama Jo’s Pies, according to general manager Rick Brogan.
“This program is to help our employees but also brings some business back to the community,” Brogan said. “We only get the meals from locally owned establishments in Lorain County.”
As part of the program, employees receive a free lunch every Tuesday, a takehome family meal on Fridays and every two weeks for eight weeks a $100 gift card.
“All we ask them to do is to spend the gift card back in the community at local businesses,” Brogan said.
This week, employees received a family meal from Cracker Barrel, which included a choice of meatloaf or chicken and dumplings, both of which had sides. Each family meal contained
breakfast bowls for the next day, and families also received a fresh Mama Jo’s pie.
Republic Services supervisor Curtis Phillips said the initiative has spread positivity and happiness among the employees.
“It gives them something new to look forward to during these unprecedented times,” Phillips said. “You should see them on Tuesday mornings — their attitude changes completely when they get their lunches.”
For 36 years, Andy Nagy, an industrial driver, said
he’s enjoyed his time with the company and is thankful for the “Committed to Serve” initiative.
“The lunches are great, the initiative is great. All the guys are appreciating it, I appreciate it. I tell them all the time.” Nagy said. “I’ve been here for 36 years so I must like it here.”
Nagy said the community has been kind to him during the pandemic but said he’s just doing his job.
“I enjoy going out and doing my job,” Nagy said. “I like doing what I can for people. Someone’s got to do it.”
According to Smith, a lot of the staff is satisfied
with the way Republic Services has handled the pandemic.
“They’ve done a great job with PPE [personal protective equipment] and showing us they care with this new program,” Phillips said. “I’m just happy overall with how smooth everything is going.”