Each holiday season, DRMP employees look for ways to support the communities they serve, whether through donation drives, charity events, or hands-on volunteerism.
At the firm’s Orlando, Fla., headquarters, employees across DRMP, including team members from regional offices in North Carolina and Virginia, contributed to an annual gift card donation drive benefiting DRMP’s long-time community partner, the Howard Phillips Center for Children and Families.
Employees also volunteered at the Center’s Candy Land–themed Christmas Party, where donors decorated booths overflowing with candy, games, and giveaways for nearly 400 at-risk children. The celebration offered families a moment of joy during a challenging time, and every child had the opportunity to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a special toy.
The Howard Phillips Center provides vital services to children, teens, and families, including developmental and special-needs care, abuse and neglect response, urgent medical exams, injury documentation, and forensic interviews. The organization also offers long-term counseling and operates mobile healthcare units that bring essential medical services directly to schools, ensuring young people receive the care and protection they need to stay healthy and thrive academically.
DRMP’s Human Resources Department collected toys for Baby DJ, the annual holiday toy drive founded by Orlando radio host Johnny Magic of the XL 106.7 morning show. For more than 30 years, Baby DJ has provided toys to economically disadvantaged children in Central Florida. DRMP’s Human Resources team has supported the toy drive since 2021.
“I have personally volunteered with the organization for many years, and I value the opportunity to support a cause that directly helps families right here in Central Florida,” DRMP Human Resources Supervisor Leanne Amos said. “As a radio show listener, it feels especially meaningful to give back through an organization so connected to our local community.”
Across DRMP’s regional offices in Florida, employees showed their support through a variety of local community efforts. In Jacksonville, staff collected items for Toys for Tots and donated food to Feeding Northeast Florida to help families during the holidays. The food bank, dedicated to fighting hunger and food insecurity, distributes food and essential products to more than 400 hunger-relief organizations and programs.
“Giving back to our community is part of who we are,” said DRMP Jacksonville Office Manager Ken Adams. “When we support local organizations, we’re helping our neighbors, strengthening families, and making a difference where we live and work.”
In Boca Raton, DRMP partnered with the Rotary Club to organize a toy drive and serve as a drop-off location.
“One of the reasons I was drawn to DRMP was the company’s commitment to giving back,” said DRMP Planning Group Leader Alia Awwad, PE, a recent hire in the Boca Raton office. “Being part of a company that not only values professional growth but also actively supports the local community makes me proud to be here.”
The firm’s Pensacola office volunteered with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) at the Boys and Girls Club. During the event, they assisted the kids with building gingerbread houses and served dinner.
“This annual event is a great opportunity to share about civil engineering with our community,” DRMP Pensacola Office Manager Trista Miller said. “Giving a little time and care can make a big difference in someone’s life, and that’s what this season is all about.”
Employees in Merritt Island participated in a Christmas fundraiser for Candlelighters of Brevard, donating nearly $800 to the nonprofit that provides emotional support and financial assistance to children with cancer and their families in Brevard and Indian River counties.
DRMP’s Tampa staff joined the 20th annual Miles for Moffitt race, helping raise critical funds for cancer research and also collected toys for St. Johns All Children’s Hospital.
“We’re so thankful for our team’s generosity and for helping make the holidays a little brighter for these kids,” DRMP Tampa Office Manager Arnesa Zunic said.
Tampa Roadway Group Leader Pavan Paiavula, PE, and Zunic have been dedicated participants in Miles for Moffitt, inspiring many of their DRMP colleagues to join year after year in raising funds for cancer research. Zunic has helped Paiavula lead the campaign for the Tampa team.
For Paiavula and Zunic, the cause is personal. Paiavula lost a college friend and a family member to cancer. Zunic’s best friend was diagnosed with cancer, underwent treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center, and has since made a full recovery.
Since 2006, Miles for Moffitt has raised millions of dollars to advance cancer research at the Tampa, Fla.–based Moffitt Cancer Center.
“This is important to me,” Paiavula said. “Participating in Miles for Moffitt gives me the opportunity to support a cause close to my heart while connecting with my colleagues for a shared purpose.”
The firm’s North Carolina offices were equally committed to serving their communities. The Asheboro office collected holiday gifts for families they sponsored at Westmoore Elementary School in Moore County.
Raleigh office employees collected donations for the Food Bank of North Carolina, helping local families experiencing food insecurity during the holiday season.
"Giving back locally means a lot to us, and this was a great way to do so as a team,” said Raleigh Office Leader Ryan Mitchell, PE. “It’s always rewarding when we can come together and support families during a time when help is especially needed."
