Over 100 DTE volunteers gathered with one mission in mind on Christmas morning: deliver holiday cheer in the form of hot meals in the Detroit area. Together with the Detroit Area Agency on Aging (DAAA), volunteers packed meals and prepared for deliveries to make the season brighter for thousands of homebound residents. Hundreds more gathered to do the same all over the state of Michigan.
This year marked 16 years of DTE’s tradition of supporting Meals on Wheels on Christmas Day. The effort was powered by the DTE Energy Foundation, which provided a $43,000 grant to DAAA, helping deliver 6,000 meals.
Among DTE volunteers were Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Angie Pizzuti, Vice Chairman and Group President Trevor Lauer, and Executive Chairman Jerry Norcia.
“Meals on Wheels has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m truly grateful to support its mission again this year. Volunteering alongside my family every Christmas is one of our most cherished traditions,” said Angie.
The DTE family extended its support statewide, with volunteers packing and delivering meals in communities across Michigan. The Foundation awarded $150,000 in grants to agencies across the state, amplifying the impact of this holiday initiative.
Volunteers in Detroit began arriving by 6 a.m. to pack hot meals, which were then delivered to thousands of homes and senior living facilities. This year’s meal was enhanced to include chicken breast with thyme rosemary gravy, redskin mashed potatoes, California blend vegetables, a dinner roll and dessert.
“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,” says 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.”
The experience was meaningful to so many of those who participated with most planning to return next year.
“At DTE, we don’t just power Southeast Michigan, our employees across the company are dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve and call home,” said Angie. “It’s inspiring to see so many colleagues return year after year to deliver not only meals, but kindness and connection to members of our community.”
