Carolina Handling associates kicked off the new fiscal year with annual company celebrations called REDFEST, held in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greenville. The events recognize accomplishments from the past 12 months and look to the future.
At this year’s celebrations, Carolina Handling associates also marked the company’s 60th anniversary. It was a moment to reflect on where the company has been and commit to continuing to give back to communities.
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A New Philanthropic Focus: Supporting the Next Generation
Each fiscal year, beginning April 1, Carolina Handling selects a philanthropic focus aligned with needs across our five-state territory. In our 60th year, that focus shifts to Our Next 60: supporting the children and communities who will one day become the workforce of tomorrow. This renewed focus reflects a long-term investment in growth, learning, health, and stability.
Building Access to Literacy Across Our Communities
As part of this commitment, associates were invited to take action during the annual celebration by helping to expand access to literacy. Teams collected new and gently used children’s books.
These efforts are part of a broader plan for the year ahead, where associates will continue supporting organizations that focus on children’s development. Initiatives will include:
- Literacy programs and school partnerships
- Book drives
- Care packs
- Mentoring
- Meals for families in need
Supporting Community Organizations Across the Southeast
The books collected were distributed to organizations across the territory. In addition, Carolina Handling supported each organization with a $2,000 donation:
- Better Basics in Birmingham, Alabama
- Children Read in Atlanta, GA
- The Wise Owl House Project in Charleston, SC
- Promising Pages in Charlotte, NC
- BackPack Beginnings in Greensboro, NC
- The Open Book Project in Easley, SC
- Book Harvest in Durham, NC
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re honoring the legacy that Carolina Handling has built, and embracing our responsibility to invest in the future. Our support of these organizations is a natural extension of that commitment. We’re proud to partner with groups that are making such a meaningful, lasting impact in the community,” said Lauren Murphy, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Carolina Handling.
A Look Back at a Year of Impact
Looking back, Carolina Handling associates demonstrated a strong commitment to giving in the previous fiscal year, through the company’s philanthropic focus, Raise The Roof, which supported the homeless population and people in need.
Throughout the year, teams across the footprint made a measurable impact:
- Contributed more than 2,200 volunteer hours
- Supported at least 13 organizations
- Donated more than $30,000
Looking Ahead
As Carolina Handling enters its 60th year, the company continues to build on its legacy of service by investing in the future. By focusing on supporting children and communities, associates are helping to create opportunities that will have a lasting impact for years to come.