The Supply Chain Management (SCM) Division at Newport News Shipbuilding came together this month in support of the NNS Holiday Food Drive. For the second year in a row, the division used the food drive as a kickoff to the Thanksgiving holiday and turned the event into a friendly competition.

During last year’s food drive, the division collected 690 canned goods and nonperishable items to help families in need throughout the community. This year, the team donated almost 9,000 items and will continue to collect goods throughout the rest of the food drive.

“I’m the proudest I’ve ever been of Supply Chain. The driving force has been the families and the team really showed up,” said Tijaun Ballen-Adams (O55), one of the division’s engagement team leads.

This year’s first place winner was “Team Zydron,” which collected over 2,050 items. “There is no better way to kick off the holidays than giving back to the community this way. We also enjoy giving back to the foodbank through volunteer hours at boxing events to take our donations full circle,” said Curstin Zydron (O51), the team lead for “Team Zydron” and a Supply Chain manager.

“I am incredibly proud of the Supply Chain Division and all they were able to do to support the food drive. It is truly impressive. I would also challenge other divisions to try to beat what SCM has done this year. At the end of this, the foodbank wins,” said Matt Mulherin Jr., vice president of Supply Chain & Strategic Sourcing.

The NNS Holiday Food Drive runs through Nov. 21 and benefits the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Learn more about the food drive on the MyNNS Holiday Food Drive site or contact [email protected].