They always say it’s better to give than to receive. 48forty thanks our colleagues in Houston for using their gifts to help a local organization in need.
With 225+ network facilities, our plants and our people are located across North America and just around the corner. In each market we serve, our teams know their customers’ businesses inside and out. They also know when it’s time to roll up their sleeves and help local community partners.
That’s why we’re proud to shine a light on Robert Mendoza, Transportation Supervisor in Houston, TX this holiday season.
For nearly his entire tenure with 48forty, Robert has cultivated a unique relationship with the Montgomery County Food Bank in Conroe, TX. The Food Bank’s mission is to collect and distribute food and resources to those in need in their community. Last year, they provided 10 million nutritional meals with the help of volunteers, donors and 50 plus partner agencies. 48forty is honored to be a part of this effort.
(Pictured left to right: Sonya Richardson, Office Manager, 48forty Houston Plant; Matt McCall, Plant Manager, 48forty Houston Plant; John Kreger, Director of Sourcing and Industry Partnerships, Montgomery County Food Bank; Robert Mendoza, Transportation Supervisor (a.k.a. "Mr. Everything"), 48forty Houston Plant)
Robert shared that 48forty’s partnership with the Montgomery County Food Bank began about 15 years ago. The organization needed assistance pulling in some donated product for their annual “The Gift of Produce” campaign. Robert spearheaded the effort to help, and the relationship has grown from there.
“It is great to work under a Plant Manager that believes we are doing the right thing in helping our community. We have had our share of weather-related disasters and it’s a great feeling knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives,” says Robert.
Currently, 48forty provides core retrievals, as well as picks up and delivers donated apple boxes each week. The Montgomery County Food Bank uses those boxes to distribute food to those in need. From time to time, 48forty has also coordinated deliveries to and from companies that donate product to the Food Bank. And when disaster strikes, 48forty is there to help. Tropical Storm Imelda sent the Food Bank into disaster relief mode this past September. 48forty made arrangements to pick up a special load to help the Food Bank assist families in crisis mode.
“I cannot overstate how much the support of 48forty Solutions has meant to the Montgomery County Food Bank over the years,” says John Kreger, Director of Sourcing and Industry Partnerships at the Montgomery County Food Bank.
“In the food bank world, empty boxes are critical to everyday operations. Thanks to a valuable donor and the great partnership with Robert and 48forty Solutions, Montgomery County Food Bank stays stocked with a regular supply of boxes. It has been, and continues to be, a blessing to work with Robert. I am thankful and appreciative to Matt and the corporate management of 48forty Solutions that allow and encourage this type of support.”
Robert’s message to others who want to help their local areas? “Just look around at the families in your community that need help. If there has been tragedy in your area recently — as long as you can do it safely and timely — then don’t sit on the sidelines, get in the game. We are all in this together and little things can change so much.”
To Robert and the 48forty Houston team, thank you for forming this unique partnership and using your talents to help your community! And to the Montgomery County Food Bank, thank you for all you do for our area. We hope everyone is able to enjoy this holiday season.