BUW and GD Mission Systems partner on Day of Action launch

Berkshire United Way partnered with General Dynamics Mission Systems to launch a Day of Action, in which employees were connected to volunteer opportunities at BUW-funded partners.

On October 9, 36 GD Mission Systems employees spent the morning volunteering at 18 Degrees, the Community Recreation Association, and Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, as well as helping repair and refresh a few of BUW's Berkshire Book Houses.

“One of the greatest impacts a business can have on a nonprofit, especially those of us supporting children, youth, and families, comes through volunteering. Thank you, GD Mission Systems, for investing your time in our children and our community," said Kelly Marion, CEO of Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center.

GD Mission Systems leadership was enthusiastic about supporting this initiative in lieu of the annual golf tournament and generously donated toward the Day of Action launch.

“We helped launch Berkshire United Way’s Day of Action initiative to give General Dynamics employees another meaningful, hands-on way to support the organizations and neighbors that make our community strong,” said Krystle Blake, GD Mission Systems Program Manager and BUW Board Chair. “It was inspiring to volunteer alongside 35 colleagues who chose to spend their scheduled Friday off giving back. Together, we contributed more than 100 volunteer hours to projects across Berkshire County. I’m proud of how this initiative brought us together to put our skills into action and reflects our commitment to keeping the Berkshires a vibrant place to build careers, raise families, and thrive.”

“GD Mission Systems has generously supported BUW through its workplace campaign for decades, and we are excited to create new ways for people to connect with our mission,” said Jenn Kerwood, Interim President and CEO of BUW. “We are deeply grateful for their longstanding commitment to BUW and the many funded partners whose work is made possible through their support. We hope this is the first of many Days of Action to come.”