FirstEnergy Employees Honor Martin Luther King Jr. in Day of Service Events Across Ohio

In a warehouse filled with endless stacks of books, the sticky sound of packing tape overpowers the chatter of volunteers inspired by the mission of the Kids Book Bank.

The organization has distributed more than 4.7 million books since 2016 in its effort to ensure all kids in Greater Cleveland have books to build their own home libraries.

“I read so many books when I was a kid, so I think it's a great cause,” said Kelly Kovacevich, an engineer at FirstEnergy. “I just want to help my community, and I think volunteering in ways like this brings you closer to people.”

Kovacevich was one of a handful of FirstEnergy employees who volunteered to sort and pack children’s books in January leading up to Martin Luther King Day, which is also observed as a National Day of Service.
 

Leslie Fitzsimmons with the Kids’ Book Bank explained the direct tie between the work volunteers showed up to do and MLK Jr.’s dream.

“MLK had a vision that everyone would be equal, everyone would have the same rights. A part of that is giving every kid the same access to own books that they choose and are excited about, no matter where they live in northeast Ohio,” Fitzsimmons said.

To further honor the life and legacy of MLK Jr., FirstEnergy employees volunteered at several other local nonprofits in the company’s service territory.

Just up the street from the book bank, a group of employees volunteered at Ohio Bike City, sorting bike parts so they can be re-used. The organization upcycles donated bicycles to make them safe and reliable for community members.  

In Toledo, FirstEnergy employees spent a day at the Western Avenue Family Center unloading boxes and packing weekend food bags for those in need. Another group of employees worked at the Cherry Street Mission, serving lunch and helping to pack hygiene kits.

Lastly, employees in Akron worked at the Haven of Rest, which provides meals, overnight shelter, clothing, showers, laundry and other vital services to those in need.

FirstEnergy employees have a proud history of volunteerism year-round in the communities where they live and work. FirstEnergy gives each of its employees with 16 hours of volunteer time off (VTO) annually, allowing team members to provide time and manpower to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. 

“FirstEnergy helps employees expand their potential impact by continually planning and introducing us to new volunteer opportunities. For example, I didn’t even know the Kids Book Bank existed. I really enjoyed serving there and will look for opportunities to support them in the future,” Kovacevich said. 

Media Contact: Hannah Catlett 440-554-5346