When DTE Energy volunteers started their shift at Meals on Wheels, stockings were stuffed and Santa had already come to town. But for the more than 100 DTE volunteers at the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA) – and hundreds more around the state – the fun of spreading holiday cheer was just beginning.
Jerry Norcia loading a DTE van with his daughter before delivering meals on Christmas Day.
These volunteers were part of a 15-year long tradition of DTE pitching in to pack and deliver food on Christmas Day through Meals on Wheels. This effort is also supported by the DTE Energy Foundation, which provided a $45,000 grant to DAAA to help deliver 6,000 meals to the homebound around Detroit.
This year’s volunteers included Chairman and CEO Jerry Norcia, Vice Chairman and Group President Trevor Lauer and Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Angie Pizzuti.
“The Holiday Meals on Wheels program has become a tradition for many of our employees and their families, and we are so appreciative of the time they give to spread holiday cheer,” said Jerry. “The DTE Energy Foundation is proud to bring thousands of meals to our seniors making sure they know they are not alone or forgotten during the holidays.”
The DTE family pitched in around Michigan, too, with volunteers packing and delivering meals in every corner of the mitten and the Foundation awarding a total of $155,000 in grants to agencies across the state.
Volunteers arrived in Detroit as early as 6 a.m. to help pack hot meals that were then delivered to thousands across the region, bringing a delicious meal of chicken with a thyme rosemary gravy, redskin mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, a dinner roll and dessert to homes and senior high-rise buildings where they were most needed.
Angie Pizzuti and her family packing meals on Christmas Day.
“Year-round, we serve the needs of seniors and adults with disabilities, and we work hard to make sure none of them go without a hot home-cooked meal on Christmas,” said Ronald Taylor, President and CEO, DAAA. “Many live alone, and a meal delivered by a caring, smiling volunteer can brighten the spirits of many who might otherwise be alone most of the day.”
It was a special experience for the volunteers, too, particularly those who have made giving back on Christmas morning part of their holiday tradition.
“Caring for our customers is at the center of everything we do at DTE, which is why I love participating in Meals on Wheels every year,” Angie said. “The work the DAAA does is vital to our community and volunteering with my family on Christmas Day is one of the highlights of my holiday season.”