Since 2005, William McLaughlin (E81) has been a driving force behind the Newport News Shipbuilding Holiday Food Drive. Inspired by a spirited contest in E81 known as the “SPAM Award,” McLaughlin was swept up by enthusiasm and never looked back.

The momentum at Bldg. 600 began around 2002 when Todd Solomon, Rick Burgos (O05), and David Smith launched a friendly competition between two groups. That contest quickly grew. Today, McLaughlin pushes for building-wide participation. Bldg. 600 has earned a reputation as an island of generosity, often matching the rest of the shipyard’s contributions combined.

Since 2007, E81 has contributed over 150,000 pounds of food and thousands of dollars.

“Each year, seeing the mountain of food collected is deeply rewarding,” McLaughlin said. “What moves me most are the quiet heroes – those individuals who consistently and anonymously go above and beyond.”

He believes the NNS Gives campaigns empower shipbuilders to be good neighbors on a larger scale. “Almost none of us have ever, even on our most generous days, given anything that actually hurt to part with,” he says. His advice? Think about that before you donate, then double it. “I bet it still won’t hurt,” he adds, “but it will help someone more than you know.”

This year’s campaign in Bldg. 600 generated more than 5,800 pounds of food and $5,255 in monetary donations, equaling a total of 20,590 meals for families in need.