DG Gives Back

We asked DG employees to share a charitable endeavor they support and how it has made a difference in their life or community. Whether it’s a cause they’ve volunteered with, donated to, or simply championed, these stories reflect the values and compassion that help shape who we are—both inside and outside the workplace.

One Warm Coat

At IFAB this past holiday season, we asked employees to donate coats for the One Warm Coat drive hosted by our local Youth Hub for youth in mental health crisis/addiction. After dropping off all the coats that were donated on a very cold and windy day in January, I reached out to the group to share the results of their generosity: “I wish everyone could have experienced what an amazing difference we made! It took 5 of us to carry in all the coats our group donated, with all of our arms full. Before we could even get the coats into their building and into the back area for them to go through, multiple people were going through the coats and exclaiming in excitement at all the options, trying them on and excitedly showing each other what had come in. I was able to snap this picture of a few of the site-coordinators at Wyndham House. The rest of the coats are behind me being tried on by multiple people in need, who were very happy to receive some great and necessary coats for today’s weather.”

All Hands and Hearts

Working with All-Hands Volunteers in Nepal after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on life and work. I helped rebuild schools in rural areas over two years with the group, witnessing firsthand the resilience and strength of the people. This experience taught me the importance of community, purpose, and how interconnected we all are. It deepened my understanding of why we do the work we do and how meaningful contributions can create lasting change. I also developed valuable skills in leadership, project management, and problem-solving, learning to adapt in challenging environments. Overall, the experience not only strengthened my sense of purpose but also inspired me to continue working towards projects that support sustainable growth and positive impact.

— Udip Uttam Pokharel

Adotar Patinhas

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, so volunteering with Projeto Adotar Patinhas in Brazil felt like a natural step. The project is dedicated to rescuing stray dogs and cats and helping them find loving homes. I help organize adoption events, provide temporary foster care, and support logistics. Being part of this initiative has been deeply meaningful and has taught me empathy, responsibility, and the power of small actions. Giving a scared, abandoned animal a safe space—even temporarily—is incredibly rewarding, and seeing them get a second chance and be adopted into a forever home is the best feeling. This experience has strengthened my connection to the community and shown me how small efforts can lead to real change. It’s not just about helping animals—it’s about building a more compassionate world.

— Gabriela Lombardi

Georgia BEST Robotics

I’ve been a part of the Georgia BEST Robotics planning committee for 8 years now, organizing and hosting a free robotics competition for middle and high school students in Georgia. I competed in BEST as a high school student, and it was an integral part of why I decided to become an engineer. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs through the years, but all the hard work is so worth it when I see the students having fun exploring engineering throughout the competition. It’s been really fulfilling giving back to local schools and the community.

— Jessie Liu

Goathouse Refuge

I have lived with cats all my life and wish to always have at least one! They are extraordinary creatures and possess uncanny awareness and senses. A charity I support, near and dear to my heart, is The Goathouse Refuge. It was begun by a woman who came from Italy and bought a farm in North Carolina that was inhabited by a goat. Hence the name. As time went by, she found cats would just show up; and people would bring her cats for various reasons, and over time it became a refuge for cats of all ages who needed a home. Goathouse endeavors to find homes for as many as possible, though some remain there for the rest of their lives. Living freely, they survive on donations and are well taken care of by volunteers and caring people.

— Candace A. Purseglove

Technology and Innovation Program

My two boys (10 and 7) go to a public school where they have the most amazing Technology and Innovation program funded by the Parent-Teacher Organization. It is their favorite class, where they’ve gotten a chance to use 3D printers, code, design circuits, make a VR world, and done Lego robotics. I always make sure to support this program as best I can, by volunteering and with supplies and donations, since the two of them want to be engineers when they grow up!

— Kirsten Kirsch

Cidadão Pró-Mundo

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was volunteering at Cidadão Pró-Mundo, a nonprofit organization that offers free English classes to students from public schools in Brazil, helping promote social inclusion and equal opportunities. What makes CPM so special is its strong belief in exchange, empowerment, and collective impact. I had the privilege of joining this mission as a volunteer teacher—volunteachers, as we called ourselves—spending my Saturdays in the classroom. It was more than just teaching, it was about learning, connecting, and growing together. The energy in every class, the teamwork among volunteers, and the transformations we witnessed in our students were unforgettable. Seeing my group of students proudly graduate at the end of the year was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Volunteering with CPM gave me new friends, valuable lessons, and a fresh perspective on the world. It reinforced my belief that small actions—when multiplied by many—can truly make a difference.

— Bianca Resende