Giving Back Is What We're About

Last month, our Atlanta Distribution Center teammates collected over 2,500 nonperishable food items for families in need and processed 6,500 pounds of food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank in support of Hunger Action Month.

It’s no secret that giving back is what we’re all about.

Which is why when our Black Leadership Network Teammate Resource Group led a company-wide Hunger Action Month activation in support of Feeding America, our Atlanta distribution center teammates found a way to go above and beyond to make the activation a success.

The event aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity and also connected the team with their local community in a meaningful way.

“This entire event really started with our company values,” said Dominique Bright, Manager of DC Operations and DC Chair of Black Leadership Network. “At DICK’S, we focus on the importance of youth sports and giving everyone a chance to play, but 1 in 4 kids go hungry every day. Being able to participate in sports starts with being well fed.”

Teammates across the company were invited to participate in the Hunger Action Month activation by donating nonperishable food items to their local food bank or by dropping these items off at one of our distribution centers. But Dominique saw a way for Atlanta distribution center teammates to make an even bigger impact.

“Everyone can donate nonperishable food items,” said Dominique. “But since the Atlanta Community Food Bank is close to our distribution center, we thought it would be fun to also volunteer together so we could see our work in action and show the community we’re here for them.”

And show up they did.

Our Atlanta DC teammates were eager to band together and support their hometown. After kicking off the day with a presentation from the Food Bank, the team got to work sorting, weighing and processing over 6,500 pounds of food that was packaged for local families in need. In a single day, their efforts resulted in enough food for over 5,400 meals.

“This experience was very impactful for our teammates,” said Dominique. “You don’t realize what your friends and neighbors are going through or struggling with, and food should not be one of those things.”

The team’s efforts didn’t stop there. In addition to their group volunteering event, our Atlanta DC teammates also collected over 2,500 nonperishable food items throughout September to donate to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

At DICK’S, we believe in the power of sport and supporting the communities we serve. It’s in our competitive nature to go big, especially when it helps our communities win.

“We lead with the community and family first,” said Dominique. “Every year, we challenge ourselves to get better and do more.”