Last month, a group of Newport News Shipbuilding employees joined Serve the City (STC) and took to the streets surrounding the shipyard. The mission was to help clean up the neighborhood while also building positive relationships with neighbors.

Employees from 12 departments met at the Hidens parking lot and picked up trash between 69th and 52nd streets. Along the way, they met and talked with many neighbors who expressed gratitude and were excited to know shipbuilders were working with STC to clean up the area. Volunteers said it’s important for fellow shipbuilders to remember that they are traveling through neighborhoods that are home to families as they come to and from work.

“While we were picking up trash in the neighborhood, a lady got out of her car and clapped for us,” said Ginger Bunch, a longtime STC volunteer. “It was a good feeling knowing the residents appreciated all our hard work.”

The group collected two truckloads of trash – or about 30 bags – in just two hours.

“These projects not only make you feel good about helping others, but you also get to meet new people and make new friends along the way,” said Cathy Zimeras, an STC core team member. “To those who came out and helped, if you didn’t get a chance to speak to the neighbors, just know you were seen, you were appreciated, by them and by your company. You lead by example.”

Since 2021, NNS has teamed with STC to support the organization’s mantra of “Many people doing small things together can make a big difference.” The relationship was started by Jason Sutton, vice president and chief information officer, but the goal is for it to spread across all departments.

Another cleanup is planned for November. Those interested in volunteering should keep an eye out on the STC website on MyNNS for details and to sign up. Other STC opportunities also are posted on the website every month. Contact Cathy Zimeras via email with any questions about STC.