Demonstrating a strong commitment to community service, more than 215 employees from Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut (DDNJCT) stepped away from their desks on Friday, Sept. 18 for the company’s eighth annual All Associate Volunteer Day.
The nationwide initiative brought employees together to support 13 nonprofit organizations across New Jersey and Connecticut, contributing approximately 655 collective hours of service. Volunteers focused on critical regional needs, including combatting food insecurity, supporting animal welfare, aiding children and families, and providing essential community resources.
A Tradition of Compassion and Impact
“All Associate Volunteer Day is one of the most meaningful days of the year for our organization and one of my personal favorites,” said Paul Di Maio, president and CEO of DDNJCT, who joined employees volunteering at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morristown, N.J. “It’s inspiring to see our associates come together with such enthusiasm, compassion and a shared commitment to giving back. Supporting our communities is at the heart of who we are at Delta Dental.”
Throughout the day, cross-departmental teams tackled hands-on projects tailored to local needs:
- America’s Grow-A-Row (Milford, N.J.): Associates handpicked 25,600 pounds of sweet corn, yielding an estimated 102,400 servings of fresh produce for individuals facing food insecurity.
- Rise Against Hunger: Volunteers packed 14,200 nutritious meals utilizing rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and essential micronutrients.
- Healing Meals Community Project (Connecticut): Team members prepared and packed healthy meals for families facing health crises, accompanying them with encouraging handwritten cards.
- St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center (Madison, N.J.): Associates walked adoptable dogs and built enrichment toys and food activities for shelter animals.
- United Way of Northern New Jersey: Volunteers assembled 120 “United for Reading” and “Keep Kids Warm” kits for children in the Dover area.
In addition to these sites, DDNJCT associates lent their time and energy to several other regional organizations, including the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Community Hope, Eleventh Hour Rescue, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, nourish.NJ, Ronald McDonald House, and the Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Launched in 2019, All Associate Volunteer Day has grown into a cornerstone tradition for DDNJCT. The annual event works hand-in-hand with the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation to foster healthier, stronger communities throughout the bi-state area.
To learn more about the company’s ongoing community outreach and volunteer initiatives, visit the Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut In the Community page.
