Serve the City (STC) recently hosted the seventh annual Big Volunteer Week, with projects ranging from painting and house repairs to making birthday boxes and sorting Christmas decorations. This year, 270 people – including Newport News shipbuilders – volunteered over 1,600 hours to work on 52 projects, including projects at 21 homes, 10 nonprofits, with several family friendly projects each day.

Newport News Shipbuilding’s relationship with STC started in 2021 as a Business Transformation & Technology (BT&T)-led endeavor to give back to the community, and it has grown larger in the years since. More than 100 shipbuilders from 30 different departments across the shipyard have volunteered, and 15 have served more than five times, following the STC motto, “Many people doing small things can make a big difference.”

During STC’s Big Volunteer Week, projects improved the lives of the elderly, people who are disabled, those without homes, refugees, children at risk and the food insecure. STC, with the help of NNS employees, made a difference in people’s lives and helped them in tangible and practical ways.

“I am so thankful for all of the NNS support and engagement we have had since BT&T started this NNS-STC endeavor. So many people are willing to give up a little time to make a big difference in other people’s lives,” said Cathy Zimeras (T55). “It makes me so proud to see our company out there every month getting it done. So many people come out one time, and they enjoy it so much they sign up again. It makes me proud to be part of both NNS and STC.”

NNS employees volunteered over 100 hours during Big Volunteer Week working to clean up yards for residents who couldn’t do it themselves and repairing homes to make them safer. The economic impact of these hours alone is $3,434.

Shipbuilders who participated in the effort said neighbors saw what they were doing and appreciated it. Handmade cards and signs were made and displayed while shipbuilders worked. Abra McCollum (T52) said she enjoys volunteering with STC.

“My favorite opportunity continues to be food delivery because it gives me a chance to meet with the people we are helping and share some kind words and smiles. I think it brightens my day as much as it does theirs,” she said. “I have also really enjoyed the Big Volunteer week since it gives me a chance to involve my family as well. I have two small children – ages 5 and 6 – and there are ‘kid friendly’ activities that they can take part in. It allowed them to see firsthand how they could help other kids their own age who may not have the same advantages that they do. Serve the City has been a wonderful organization to work with, and I can’t wait to get back out there to do more.”

Visit the STC website for upcoming events and pictures of past events. For more information, contact Cathy Zimeras via email.