| Northwest donates flights, funds, hours and cargo space (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal) |
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Over the past decade, Northwest Airlines Corp. has had its bumpy moments. Industry upheaval, soaring fuel prices, scheduling nightmares, a mechanics strike and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing all made a rough era even rougher. But no matter what turbulence was occurring at the company, one aspect remained constant: employee commitment to community service. "Even before we faced 9/11, we were in challenging financial times in the airline industry," said Carol Hollen, the airline's community relations specialist. "In order to keep us involved in community projects even back then, I had personal donations given to me anonymously, so we could continue our community efforts." Later, during widespread layoffs, employees organized a massive garage sale that raised more than $150,000 in order to donate to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, a particularly favored charity for employees. "At a time when it was well known that we were struggling, we got in there and built another house," Hollen said. Employees who had taken two pay cuts within a year dug deep in their pockets and came up with donations so Northwest could keep building, she said. The drive toward more Habitat construction is consistent with the company's mission, she added. "Northwest is committed to seeing people safely home," she said. "Our community service efforts do that as much as our flying does." In addition to building, employees have been generous in many other ways as well, she noted. During one Habitat project, volunteers learned that the family who was slated to live in the house had only two towels for six people, and one bed for three children. The family had come from Eritrea, seeking political asylum, and lacked other essentials for Minnesota living, such as winter coats and gloves. Employees went on a drive to buy furniture, clothing and housewares, as well as gift cards for groceries. During the house dedication, volunteers came laden with more necessities like pots, pans, silverware and sheets. "For employees to give not only their time, but their money, and their belongings is so touching," Hollen said. "And I've seen that type of giving many, many times." With the company's fortunes improving, community giving has become even more pronounced. It has donated cargo space, miles and employee volunteer hours for a variety of efforts, particularly in the midst of disasters. When the I-35W bridge collapsed, for example, Northwest provided free transportation to family and friends who had loved ones affected by the tragedy. The airline also shipped tons of relief supplies and computers to Thailand after a tsunami struck, and encouraged passengers to donate their frequent-flyer miles to the effort. The airline also assisted during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, donating $13 million to relief and recovery efforts, offering discounted fares to relief workers and evacuees, and shipping supplies to the Federal Emergency Managment Agency. A specially-trained Northwest team, ASSIST, helped victims to cope with the effects of the hurricanes by offering counseling. The company doesn't just lend its many hands during crises, though. Every December, dozens of pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, ramp personnel and managers come together to create a "flight to the North Pole" for kids from children's homes such as Minneapolis-based St. Joseph's Home for Children. Nearly 100 children get to taxi around the airport and arrive at a gate festooned with holiday decorations, where they meet Santa and receive gifts. The drive to keep giving is a constant for Northwest, said Angie Poppe, workplace consultant for the Greater Twin Cities United Way. "They have a year-round focus on donations and community service," she said. Employees have put together quarterly events for the United Way that include a five-kilometer run, and even sales conferences include a slice of time for volunteer projects such as transporting food for Second Harvest. Northwest has been a supporter of United Way for several decades. "Most companies run a pledge drive at least once a year," Poppe said. "But they've incorporated charitable events into their larger operations, and made it a standard part of the company. It's really great to see." Elizabeth Millard is based in Minneapolis. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
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