HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — "We're all experiencing challenges right now during this time of covid and the downturn of the economy but in the downturn is where we see the needs the most and as we experience downturns inside of our own company we could become very insulated but we don't want to be, we want to be out in the community and helping those in need," said Dr. Mitch Stevison, vice president of strategy at Raytheon Technologies.
Raytheon Technologies and Downtown Rescue Mission are coming together to feed 1,000 families in need for Thanksgiving.
"I think we have been the beneficiary of just a lot of not only individuals and families but companies in town that have called and reached out wanting to do food drives, toiletry drives, all kind of different things that we need here," said Corey Buckner, director of community engagement at Downtown Rescue Mission.
This is the first year that Raytheon and the mission are teaming up to do this.
"With the unique circumstances of everything that is going on in the environment today, really taking the opportunity to give back to our community is essential and getting all of our employees gathered around around this cause has been great," said Sarah Neeley, customer operations manager at Raytheon Technologies.
But giving a helping hand to the community is nothing new for Raytheon.
"This is nothing new for our employees to be out here giving back in the community and it's nothing new for Raytheon technologies to be providing support for such a worthy cause," said Charles Moore, chief of staff of strategy at Raytheon Technologies.
The mission gives out food all year round. There have been surges when it comes to need, especially now during the holidays
"We did see around, I guess March, April, May an uptick on how many we were giving out and we see that number going back up again," said Buckner.