At Eaton, a global power management company operating in over 175 countries, supporting local communities with their time and talent is a core value. That commitment was on full display this winter when Eaton’s Wilsonville, Oregon, team stepped up to support the Forest Grove Foundation’s (FGF) homeless outreach efforts.
Read on to learn how employee survey feedback led Eaton staff to come together and assemble hundreds of food and hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness in Western Washington County.
From concern to action
The collaboration began with an email from Eaton Product Engineer Malik Schkoor, who was inspired by his colleagues’ shared concern about homelessness. Eaton’s Wilsonville site conducts an annual employee survey, and the issue of homelessness ranked as a pressing concern among staff. Schkoor explains, “As a member of the community involvement team, I wanted to look into ways we could help.”
Malik reached out to FGF to ask how Eaton could provide meaningful support. After discussions with FGF’s Executive Director Shawn Cardwell and FGF outreach team leaders, they identified a tangible way to help: assembling care packages filled with essential supplies.
Hands-on help from Eaton employees
Soon after those initial discussions, Eaton’s Wilsonville employees held a care kit packing event, where volunteers came together to assemble:
- 250 food bags containing shelf-stable items such as cereal, canned protein, and trail mix.
- 140 hygiene kits filled with essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, travel-size shampoo, and body wash.
These supplies were purchased and packed by the Eaton team based on lists provided by FGF, ensuring the kits contained items that best meet the needs of the community. The kits are being distributed directly by FGF’s Housing and Outreach Service Team (HOST) to people experiencing homelessness throughout Western Washington County.
“We are incredibly grateful for Eaton’s partnership and their commitment to supporting our unhoused neighbors,” said Shawn Cardwell, Executive Director, Forest Grove Foundation. “The Eaton team’s generosity and hands-on involvement are making a real difference in getting essential supplies to those who need them most.”
The power of local partnerships
Beyond the care kits, the organizations are exploring further opportunities to partner and advance FGF’s work. Eaton’s involvement is an inspiring example of how local businesses can play a vital role in addressing urgent community needs. By listening to employees, engaging with local experts, and taking direct action, Eaton is making a real difference in the lives of its unhoused neighbors.
Want to support the Forest Grove Foundation’s work to alleviate poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness? Get in touch today and be part of the solution!