The initiative was part of a company-wide campaign to encourage the spirit of giving during the holiday season. Employees at each location were challenged to collect a certain amount of goods, which was determined based on how many employees work at a given location.
 
“We set goals that are challenging, yet attainable,” said Tom Taborek, human resources director of the company’s special steel division and head of Gerdau’s North American social responsibility efforts. “Ultimately, we want the goals to be met. It’s a win-win.”
 
In addition to food donations, many employees contributed new and unwrapped toys to the drive. The company rewarded locations with exemplary results by making an additional financial donation to their respective non-profits of choice. These organizations include national non-profits, such as The Salvation Army, as well as local charities, including the Interfaith Shelter in Jackson, Mich., the Blessings in a Backpack program through Huntington County School District in Ind., and Simcoe Hall Settlement House in Oshawa, Ontario, among others.
 
The Gerdau Holiday Campaign is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to improving the local communities in which it operates. Each location has its own social responsibility committee who work together to identify opportunities to make a positive impact in the local community throughout the year.