Hurricane Relief: Showing that #STGCares
At STG, #OurPeopleAretheDifference is more than a hashtag, more than a company slogan. It’s a way of seeing the world. It’s not only looking for the helpers, but being the helpers.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, STG employee Rolando Echeverria saw the plight of the people around him and he knew he had to do something, so he started a drive to collect food and essentials. Initially, he said something his grandfather taught him, “Don’t let the right hand know what the left is doing. Meaning, if you do something out of the kindness of your heart, no one should know it was you.” However, he knew that social media would reach a lot of people and he’d be more likely to meet the goal of filling a 53’ foot trailer with essential goods for these displaced people, and that’s what mattered the most to him. So he posted on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. He called on everyone he knew to spread the word, and knowing the culture of the company where he worked, decided to speak with STG leadership to seek support.
The first week, Rolando was worried they wouldn’t meet that goal with only four pallets. But STG Chief Marketing Officer Dave Sosnowski suggested waiting a little longer. He also brought STG support in the form of warehouse space and fiscal donations. After a TikTok video went viral, they were able to fill that truck with twenty-six pallets that were loaded with things like food, water, cribs, and strollers. People came out to donate time to help load and distribute, many of who were in need themselves.
Rolando was especially drawn to this cause because he knows what it’s like to be displaced. After he lost his mother, who was his whole world, at a young age, he hit rock bottom. He lost everything when he lost her and was homeless, but he doesn’t regret those times. Instead, he is grateful for the lessons and says they humbled him. Seeing the turnout for the drive reminded him of all the good still in the world.
Rolando has been with STG for three years, and says it’s been nothing but great, but what was once a blessing, he feels tenfold after STG’s support for the drive. He says he wants to push even more in trucking and CFS because STG inspired him to be better because of the good faith that they showed. It elevated his whole perspective.
Rolando isn’t stopping with his efforts after the hurricane drive. His goals for 2023 include starting a nonprofit organization to help homeless veterans get the services they need, and STG is cheering him on.
One person can make a difference. Especially if they already are the difference. #OurPeopleAretheDifference
