Dollar General : Employees Honored Through DG Kindness Campaign

At Dollar General, our mission of Serving Others is the foundation on which our business was built, continues to operate each and every day and serves as a guiding force to support our future. In 2020, the Company began a new DG Kindness campaign aimed at highlighting and recognizing employees' positive impacts in communities across the country.

As part of the DG Kindness campaign, we are proud to recognize and highlight employees who embody our mission in their communities. We are further excited to support our employees' efforts with a $1,000 donation to an organization within their local community.

'Our team members are part of the fabric of the communities we call home,' said Denine Torr, Dollar General's senior director of community initiatives. 'Whether they are providing excellent customer service to Dollar General shoppers or going the extra mile to support a cause or organization they believe in, we want to celebrate and honor their commitment to Serving Others. The DG Kindness campaign gives employees the opportunity to provide funding to a deserving organization in their hometown, and it gives Dollar General the chance to recognize the important ways our employees are serving our communities.'

To learn more about Dollar General's DG Kindness honorees, please see below.

Store Manager Sherry B., Store #20856 in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming

Store manager Sherry B. in Pine Bluffs recently provided a local family with the supplies and essentials they needed when facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. After overhearing a family in her community attempting to pool enough money to buy a half gallon of milk while shopping in her Dollar General store, Sherry immediately stepped in to help. In the true spirit of Serving Others, she provided the family with a $50 shopping spree for basic supplies and essentials out of her own pocket.

Because of Sherry's act of kindness, Dollar General donated $1,000 to the Laramie County School District 2.

Store Team #11119 in Shawneetown, Illinois

This summer, Brittany W., Emilia S., Aleece M. and Hannah H. each volunteered with the City of Shawneetown's Hawks Lunch Bunch meals program to prepare and assemble lunches to ensure children in their community did not go hungry during the summer months.

To show appreciation and support of store team #11119, Dollar General made a $1,000 donation to the City to Shawneetown to benefit the Hawks Lunch Bunch meals program.

Store Team #17010 in Calipatria, California

When nearly 60 structures were destroyed by a fire in Niland, California in late June, more than 30 families were left with no home. The store team at store #17010 sprang into action to help pass out water and support cleanup efforts in the community.

Store manager Alex R. led the team's efforts to support those affected by the Niland fire.
'The entire team in some way pitched in to support the community of Niland,' Alex said. 'Our customers are like family, and they are part of the store. We are not just another retailer to the community-we are one big family.'

Dollar General donated $1,000 to Forgotten Angels, a nonprofit organization in Niland, California, on behalf of the store team.

Lead Sales Associate Monica L., Store #02219 in Havana, Illinois

Lead sales associate Monica L. in Havana, Illinois and her children spent time during the COVID-19 pandemic partnering with the Midwest Food Bank of Illinois-Peoria to distribute food and basic hygiene supplies to over 100 families in their hometown community.

'Monica is a great asset to my team and Dollar General,' said Dollar General store manager Beth F. 'She is always willing to go that extra step to help a teammate or a customer. She has a heart of gold and truly cares about the surrounding communities she supports through volunteering.'

Because of Monica's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General donated $1,000 to the Midwest Food Bank of Illinois-Peoria.

Store Manager Brandi W., Store #1968 in Sebree, Kentucky

Store manager Brandi W. recently provided a local family with the supplies and essentials they needed when facing a financial hardship. Then, shortly after learning that the family needed a new mattress, Brandi and the store team pooled their money to provide a mattress for the family out of their own pockets.

'Brandi has one of the most genuine, kindest souls that I have ever seen,' Dollar General district manager Tricia Vanover said. 'Her love for people is heartfelt and so inspiring. It doesn't matter what is going on in the store, Brandi's number one focus is her customers. She lives our mission of Serving Others daily.'

On behalf of Brandi and the store team, Dollar General provided a $1,000 donation to Landon's Hope Resource Center to provide additional resources for families in the area.

Store Manager Walter R., Store #15299 in Fowler, California

Walter R. strives to provide excellent customer service to each DG shopper that comes through his store, but one customer in particular is very special to him. Ms. Arpie is a retired high school teacher who stops by the store almost every day. Over the years, Walter and Ms. Arpie formed a friendship, with Walter even organizing a surprise birthday party for Ms. Arpie's 80^th birthday at the store, which included the local high school's marching band where she taught, several of her former students, the store team and even the Mayor of Fowler.

'Ms. Arpie has become a friend and is well known and loved in the Fowler community,' Walter said. 'No matter how busy I am, I always make time to answer her calls. We chat for five minutes about nothing, but those five minutes mean everything to us both.'

To recognize Walter's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General made a $1,000 donation to Fowler High School, the same school where Ms. Arpie taught for many years.

Store Manager Tammy C., Store #20711 in Arlington, Texas

When store manager Tammy C. learned that some of her customers were unable to visit their loved ones at a local nursing home due to COVID-19 restrictions, she reached out to others in her district to provide gift bags to all 99 residents at the local nursing home in her area. The seniors were provided with everyday essentials and several small prizes for bingo. Tammy and her team's act of kindness let local seniors know that the community is thinking about them during a very difficult time.

To recognize Tammy's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General donated $1,000 to Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County to support their home delivery meals to the elderly.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools in his area, Dollar General fresh facility private fleet driver Martin R. learned there were several students in his daughter's classroom who would not have hot meals at home. To help out, Robles and his daughter formed a lemonade stand to raise money for the San Antonio Food Bank. Through their efforts, they managed to raise $570, and their kindness and generosity helped more families in the local community have access to meals through the food bank's services.

Dollar General also donated $1,000 to the San Antonio Food Bank in honor of Martin and his daughter to help even more families in need.

In August of 2013, Barbara's husband, Walter, was diagnosed with cancer. After months of treatment, Walter was sent home on hospice care. A few weeks later Walter's doctor called with good news. A new chemotherapy treatment had been approved and he qualified. Within two weeks Walter was up walking and talking again. Barbara and Walter were able to spend another five years together. In honor of her husband, Barbara began supporting local fundraising efforts to support cancer research and care. As part of her efforts, she built children's workbenches to auction that were a huge success.

According to HR Senior Manager, Beth Cocchiarella, 'Barbara has been with DG for 23 years and each year does an amazing job in helping raise money for Relay for Life. Barbara has such a passion and commitment to fighting this awful disease. The workbench she created allows children to play, build things and grow their imagination while the funds raised from it support life-saving research that can help other families.'

To recognize Barbara's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to Mercy Health Foundation Ardmore to help patient programs and to provide exceptional health care to the residents of Ardmore, OK. Thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness.

In September 2020, Hurricane Sally devastated the community of Baldwin County, Alabama. When Assistant Manager Lisa heard that local police were working around the clock, she jumped into action by supplying drinks and snacks to the officers who needed it. Lisa also brought supplies to the linemen restoring power in the community and to the Medstar ambulance teams stationed near her store. In addition, she made three pots of soup to serve to the National Guard who were distributing emergency supplies in the area.

In honor of Lisa's dedication to serving the first responders in her community, Dollar General made a $1,000 donation to Catholic Social Services to provide groceries and clothing to families who have fallen upon hard times. Thank you for inspiring others with your acts of kindness and service, Lisa!



Store Manager, Katie Boccanelli, said, 'It is not uncommon for one of our regular customers to come into our store and be greeted by name and the associate ask them how their family is doing.' Two of the store's daily shoppers, Josh and Shannon, recently had a baby. The baby was premature, and the family was not quite prepared for her early arrival. Breanna struck up a conversation with Josh and they swooned over pictures of baby Victoria. In the true spirit of Serving Others, Breanna came in the next day with a bag of preemie and newborn baby clothes to donate to the family. Now every day when Josh and Shannon visit the store, Breanna and her team members are excited to hear updates about baby Victoria. Store Manager, Katie Boccanelli, said, 'My heart was warmed by Breanna's kind act and by her genuine desire to help someone in need.'

When District Manager (District 740) Cassie Wagoner heard that the Superior First United Methodist Church could not open their doors unless they could provide masks for every attendee, she jumped into action! Cassie purchased a generous amount of PPE supplies and sanitizer so worship could resume. In the true spirit of Serving Others, Cassie spent three weekends sewing 100 masks in different sizes to make sure children and adults could attend service.

'We are deeply grateful to Cassie for giving her time, energy and materials so that our members could have a sense of normalcy during the pandemic,' said Pastor Natalie Faust of Superior First United Methodist Church.

According to Regional Director Zeb Boomgaarden, 'Cassie is a selfless leader that truly reflects acts of kindness in all that she does. I cannot count how many times I've heard from our district managers and store managers about how amazing Cassie has been in leading and supporting our store teams. Thank you, Cassie for always serving others!'

To recognize Cassie's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to Superior First United Methodist Church to support their hunger relief efforts and education programs.

This week's honoree, Kelly Blankenship, Division Vice President (D5),received multiple nominations sharing stories about his many acts of compassion and servant leadership.

Kelly was visiting members of our team when a customer walked in with bags on her feet because she didn't have any shoes. Kelly purchased shoes for her.

While helping at the register, a mother of three couldn't get her EBT card to work. She started crying and putting her food and supplies back. Kelly purchased all of her items.

When visiting a store in Washington State, Kelly saw a teacher putting together treats and gifts for her classroom. She was obviously trying to stay within a budget. Kelly handed his personal credit card to the DM and paid for the entire transaction.

We stopped to get gas while visiting stores. While we were at the gas station, Kelly saw an elderly man struggling to figure out how to use the pump. Kelly went over and pumped the gas for him. You could see the relief and appreciation in the gentleman's face.

Every time Kelly visits the store, he buys the team drinks and always donates to literacy.

'Kelly selflessly gives of his extreme talent as a merchant and operator, but he goes above and beyond when he sees people in need,' said Vice President Divisional Manager, Derin Briggs. 'Great opportunities to help others surround us every day. Kelly does not wait for these opportunities. He seeks them out and acts on them every day. He is a great example of someone that walks the walk and lets his actions speak louder than words.'

Retail District Manager, Julia King, says it best, 'Kelly lives our mission of serving others with extreme generosity. Kelly believes in doing good just to bring joy to another person's day. He also believes that when you get to a spot in life where you can help others that you should reach out and lift others up. '

To recognize Kelly's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to the Mason Food Pantry to help provide food and supplies for individuals and families in need.

This week's DG Kindness honoree is Trish Dunn from Store #05892 in French Settlement, Louisiana!
On August 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura made landfall and devastated the community near Cameron, Louisiana. It caused significant damage to homes and businesses and left many individuals without power for days. Seeing the community in need, Trish jumped into action. With the help of her team, Trish collected nine rolltainers of food, supplies and water valued at more than $20,000.When asked why she led the collection efforts, Trish said, 'I want our customers to know if they need help or if they are hungry, they are always welcome here at our store and we will help them.'

According to District Manager Josh Lavalais, 'Trish is a true leader. She is the backbone of the district and a pillar in her community. Trish is always leading by example and always striving for excellence which motivates her peers to also strive for excellence!'

To recognize Trish's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to a local nonprofit that assists individuals in need of food, clothing or baby goods. Thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness!

In August 2020, a small fire around Beachie Creek smoldered in a remote area of Oregon's Opal Creek Wilderness. The fire grew to become one of the most destructive wildfires in Oregon history. In Heidi's community alone, 497 homes were lost.

Every day as Heidi drove to work, she saw what used to be lush green tree-lined highways that were gone and homes that were nothing more than piles of twisted metal and ash. The destruction was heavy on her heart.

In the true spirit of Serving Others, Heidi rolled up her sleeves and started performing small acts of kindness for her neighbors. She helped community members sift through the destruction to look for family treasures that may have survived the fire. She sat with neighbors who needed someone to talk to. She also purchased 150 angels and placed them at the front of the driveways of homes that were destroyed to try to bring hope to those who lost everything.

According to District Manager, Torry Mayfield, 'Heidihas been inspirational to our whole district. During the fires she drove clothes to our team members that were displaced. When she was able to get back to the store, Heidi helped collect donations of water and basic essentials for people in the community. She listened to her customers that lost their homes in the fire and consoled and cried with them.'

To recognize Heidi's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund to support the Santiam Canyon residents affected by the fire. Thank you Heidi for inspiring those around you with kindness.

At Dollar General, Serving Others is part of who we are. We strive to serve our customers and give back to the communities we call home. Store Manager, Jamie Cadle, lives by this motto every day. While working at her store, one of her regular customers, Tom, walked in and greeted her with a warm hello. On this particular day, Jamie wasn't feeling well, so Tom promptly went home and brought her back some homemade soup. That was the start of a very special friendship.

This past June, Tom experienced some life issues and suddenly found himself, like so many other Americans, in financial hardship. His situation was so dire that he was homeless. He also had no family or anyone to turn to, but he always knew where to find Jamie. One day, Tom showed up at the store visibly upset. Jamie began talking to Tom and he explained how desperate, scared and lost he felt. Tom was eligible for Social Security benefits, but with no Social Security card or home address he felt hopeless. He didn't know where to begin. That's where Jamie stepped in to pay back Tom's kindness. Jamie worked side by side with Tom to obtain necessary information and successfully applied for a Social Security card. Next, she helped him get a post office box so his Social Security checks could be delivered. Today, Tom is getting his checks and he's able to provide for himself. However, that's not where this journey ends. Jamie is currently working on getting Tom settled into a new home. Their story continues to unfold, but one thing is certain, these two are friends for life.

According to District Manager, Leroy Steiner, 'When thinking about Store Manager Jamie Cadle, I'm reminded of the quote, 'Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.' Jamie's selfless actions can be seen around the District, as others have begun to emulate her kindness. I'm so proud of her and also feel very blessed to have her be a special part of Team #114!'

To recognize Jamie's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to?a nonprofit in Jamie's community that assist individuals in need of food, clothing or shelter. Thank you Jamie for inspiring those around you with your kindness

This week's featured act of DG Kindness is from Stores #02983, #08578, #21001, and #15640 in Adams and Brown Counties, Ohio!

In December 2020, a power plant in Manchester, Ohio, collapsed and left many missing. Our stores in Adams and Brown Counties immediately sprang into action. In the true spirit of Serving Others, the teams headed to the site to help serve lunch and donate food, water, and supplies to the local emergency responders and families.

According to Regional Director Michael Rancourt, 'As I reflect on the actions of the district managers, store managers and team members that stepped up over the course of two weeks during this tragedy, it just made sense to me. Our customer is our friend. They are family. They go to our church. We see them at the local diners for breakfast on Saturdays. We wave to them as we drive to work while they cut their grass. The team jumped into action because that's what we do for our family. That is what we do for our neighbors and friends. We find a way to measure many things in the business world. I think this team showed us how to measure heart and compassion through their selfless acts.'

According to Store Manager James Herrington, 'our community is like family. Through thick and thin you can always count on the DG family to be there for our customers especially during times of tragedy. We will gladly give you the shirt off our backs if it means you are no longer cold. We serve out of love and not for the recognition.'

To recognize the Adams and Brown Counties store teams' efforts of providing meals to relieve workers during the tragedy, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to?a local food pantry to assist individuals during their time of need.

Three years ago, the Landing Bridge, a local nonprofit organization, reached out requesting volunteers to mentor children in crisis. Johanna answered the call. Each week she attends the Landing Bridge two-hour meeting where she serves as a small group leader and provides encouragement to kids who are homeless, hungry and looking for guidance and support. During these meetings, not only does she lead group conversations and help extend hope, but she also helps ensure the children attending receive a few things they need such as toiletry items, clothes, shoes and socks. Every meeting ends with a meal for the children and some fun activities.

According to Riley Seals, Sr. Director of the Ardmore Distribution Center, 'Johanna has been an inspiration for our team as she has helped mentor these kids. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone says a lot about Johanna and we're all very proud of her for being a great role model of Serving Others.'

To recognize Johanna's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to the Landing Bridge to help support local children in crisis. Thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness.

For more than two years, Charlotte and Darla from Store #08218 in Dothan, Alabama have partnered with the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA) to provide seniors with groceries, toiletries, cleaning products and other necessary items. During the pandemic, many seniors were afraid to shop in person or didn't have transportation to the local Dollar General store. Charlotte, Darla and the team at Store #08218 worked together to gather supplies to distribute to seniors in need.

According to the Director of SARCOA Terri Francis, 'we love Dollar General and especially Charlotte and Darla who are so amazing to work with. They not only helped us serve our seniors and adults with disabilities during our Santa for Seniors program, but they help us all year.'

According to District Manager Leslie Soard, 'I am so proud of Charlotte, Darla and their entire team for dedicating their time to such a worthy organization. Every day they 'Walk the Walk' and are a true example of Dollar General's mission of Serving Others.'

To recognize Charlotte and Darla's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging to help make a difference in the lives of seniors and disabled individuals. Thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness.

This week's featured act of DG Kindness is from Lisa at Store #16853 in Lima, Ohio!

?

One act of kindness can create a wave of caring. On a snowy day, a gentleman walked into Lisa's store wearing cleats, pants that were too small and a tarp wrapped around his upper body. He purchased a toy and a woman's shirt. It was obvious he was purchasing these items for his family. As he was leaving, Lisa stepped into action and gave him the coat off her back. A customer in the parking lot saw this and bought him a hat and gloves. Another customer jumped in and bought him a hot meal. One act of kindness inspiring another, a perfect example of Dollar General's mission of Serving Others. Lisa says this story has a happy ending because Coleman's Professional Services is assisting the gentleman in finding a home and place of employment.

According to District Manager Eric Forsyth, 'Lisa cares very much for her customers and the surrounding community. Her passion to serve is why I chose her to move into a leadership position once she rejoined the DG Team late last year. I knew the pride she takes in her work and being able to serve the community would take her a long way into being successful as a store leader for us.'

Eric adds, 'I am extremely proud of her. In these tough times I always try to remind my team to make someone's day better every day we can. No act of kindness goes without causing a positive ripple in peoples' lives and those around us.'

To recognize Lisa's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to Coleman's Profession Services to help support local individuals in crisis. Lisa, thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with your kindness.



DG's featured act of DG Kindness for the week of March 8 is Store Manager Joe at Store #0460 in Beattyville, Kentucky!

In early March 2021, many communities across Kentucky faced major flooding and high water. Due to impassable roads that kept him from his store, Joe decided to lend a hand to those in his community. In the true spirit of Serving Others, he stepped in to help a fellow manager conduct inventory in a neighboring district. Although the roads the next morning were still impassable, Joe was determined to get to his store and provide the community with much needed food and supplies. To do so, Joe enlisted the help of rescuers with boats to give him a ride across town so he could open his store and serve his customers.

According to District Manager Kathy Combs, 'Joe has a huge heart and is very caring. He is always willing to help his team, customers and community. He is a true leader.'

To recognize Joe's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to the American Red Cross to aid those affected by flooding in Kentucky. Joe, thank you for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with your kindness.

When natural disasters strike, please stay safe. If you see standing water on the roadway, please turn around and do not attempt to cross.

Every day is an opportunity to reach out and show an act of kindness. Becky embodies this mantra by helping others in the Martinsville, Illinois, community. In the spirit of Serving Others, she has volunteered with and coordinated support for healthcare workers at a local nursing home, animal rescues, senior care centers and children at the Shriners Hospital. To further help her community and families in crisis, Becky also coordinates with Martinsville on the Move to have water, snack and supplies available for families in need of assistance.

'Dollar General coming into our community was such a boost to our efforts. [The store] team here, led by Becky Littlejohn, does a great job and always works hard to have the inventory we need as we plan events,' said Norma Calvert, President of Martinsville on the Move.

According to District Manager Mary Hartke, 'Becky has a heart of gold and consistently finds ways to connect with her customers and her community. I am so proud of the work she does and consider myself blessed to have her on my team.'

To recognize Becky's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to Martinsville on the Move to support local families in crisis and summer reading programs. Becky, thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness.

This week's featured act of DG Kindness is from Assistant Store Manager Heather at Store #16716 in Montezuma, Iowa!
?
When an elderly gentleman requested a money order, Heather had a feeling something was wrong. With some investigation, she found out the customer was being scammed. A few days later, the elderly man's daughter came back to the store to thank Heather. The daughter shared on Facebook, 'Heather went above and beyond her job to show she truly cares about people. When I tried to thank Heather, she replied that she was just doing her job. Heather stopped something that could have cost my dad all his savings. Dollar General has some great employees doing great things!'

According to District Manager Melody Whitten, 'Heather always gives 100% in everything she does. Everyone on the team looks up to her. She is willing to go the extra mile and truly cares about the community and her customers. She believes that customers come first, and it shows. Heather is a huge part of her location and District 102. She truly is kind at heart and walks the walk.'

To recognize Heather's act of DG Kindness, Dollar General is making a $1,000 donation to Montezuma Community Development Corporation to help support senior programs in the local community. Heather, thanks for your act of service and for inspiring those around you with kindness.