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DRMP Employees Join Forces to Create Lasting Impact in Local Communities

November 6th, 2024


Our employees at DRMP are deeply committed to giving back and are always finding new ways to support the communities we serve.  Through our DRMPCares program, we strive to create lasting positive change in STEM education, health, and for children in need through donation drives and volunteerism.

For many employees, this initiative offers a meaningful opportunity to volunteer for causes they believe in. Whether it's their first time getting involved or they’re seasoned volunteers, our team is creating real impact through their charitable efforts.

In North Carolina, employees in our Charlotte office came together to donate money and assemble hundreds of toiletry bags for victims of Hurricane Helene. Our General Civil Department volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank in Orlando, Fla., to help fight hunger in the community. And several of our Orlando-based team members participated in the Making Strides Walk to End Breast Cancer, raising funds for the American Cancer Society to support lifesaving research and vital patient services.

Transportation Noise Group Leader Robyn Hartz, INCE, loves blending her passion for running with dressing up in fun costumes for 5K races. She keeps a close eye on local charity runs, and she saw the Making Strides Walk to End Breast Cancer was another way for DRMP to get involved and give back to the community.

"Participating in this event was a chance to combine my love for running with my passion for giving back,” Hartz said. “It’s inspiring to see how something as simple as lacing up your shoes can bring people together for a cause that truly matters and makes a difference in the fight against breast cancer." 

DRMP’s Charlotte office packed 100 toiletry bags for a local women and children's shelter the day before the storm. Traffic Operations Group Leader Brittany Groome, PE, PTOE, RSP1, said she coordinated with staff to redirect those donations to assist individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene, prioritizing the immediate needs created by the storm.

“The devastation from Helene in western North Carolina broke my heart,” Groome said. “When our local fitness center posted about teaming with a wrecking service to take donations to Asheville just two days after the storm passed, I knew that was our calling to help.”

Groome and her 7-year-old daughter, Gracie, participated in the donation drive together.

“My daughter has a huge heart and had been asking for ways to help the less fortunate, so I was happy to have her by my side packing and dropping off the bags. My family also donated diapers, bottles, wipes, formula, and food, which Gracie helped me shop for. After seeing videos of the damage, she was happy to be able to help.”

Eager to lend a hand, August Thick II, PSM, CST III, a DRMP Vice President and North Carolina Survey Division Lead, also took part in the donation drive for which employees also made monetary donations.

“As an employee of DRMP, I’m proud to see our company matching personal donations to support Hurricane Helene victims,” Thick said. “This collective effort underscores the importance of giving back and demonstrates our commitment to helping our North Carolina community rebuild and thrive.”

For Project Manager Samir Farra, PE, volunteering is about actively supporting causes you care about. Helping out at Second Harvest Food Bank alongside his DRMP colleagues has inspired him to give back in his personal time, too. He also joined the Making Strides Walk to End Breast Cancer.

“When you see how these causes benefit others in our community, it’s rewarding to know your efforts are making a difference,” he said. “The Second Harvest Food Bank’s organized system for volunteers made it easy for first-timers like me. After this experience, I look forward to more opportunities to volunteer outside of work."

DRMP takes pride in fostering a culture of giving that supports those in need and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people in our community.

Posted in the categories All, DRMPCares.