Our employees know the impact that volunteerism can have in the communities we serve, and that’s why every holiday season we participate in SDGivE. SDGivE is a seasonal volunteer program that allows employees to help lead volunteer projects that benefit various community organizations.  

In addition to the efforts of employees, we also provide grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 to support each project. Our volunteers will spend the final weeks of 2023 supporting 47 volunteer projects throughout our service territory. Read about one of our employees' beloved projects below.  

Team SDG&E Show Solidarity for Union Families 

Bernadette Butkiewicz, our Senior Regional Public Affairs Manager, grew up in a strong union family and fondly remembers volunteering with the Labor Council during the holidays as a child. This year, she spearheaded our participation in the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council for their Annual Toy and Food Distribution. 

The Labor Council represents over 140 affiliated unions and over 200,000 working families in various industries and professions. Their annual toy and food distribution event provides holiday cheer and support to union members who need extra assistance during the holidays. 

This year, over 400 families benefited from the event, as they drove through a distribution line to receive both food and toys. The items were generously donated by fellow union members of the Labor Council and community partners. Volunteers had the opportunity to select age-appropriate toys for every child in each household.  In addition to distributing toys and food, our gas crews provided hundreds of cones that snaked through the parking lot, ensuring the efficiency of the distribution and safety of all that participated.   

“I have been volunteering for the Labor Council Food and Toy Drive for most of my life," said  SDG&E Senior Public Affairs Manager Bernadette Butkiewicz. "As a kid my father worked in the labor movement, and I was able to experience the joy of handing parents in need the food and toys they needed to bring home some holiday cheer.” 

As families drove by, they expressed overwhelming thanks to the volunteers and the Labor Council for putting together an event they can look forward to every year! We are grateful for every volunteer who is making a difference in our communities this holiday season!