From building and maintaining trails to restoring habitat and supporting food banks, schools and literacy programs, Williams employees delivered practical help during the company’s fifth annual Volunteer Week.
Blazing trails and protecting natural spaces
Near Tulsa, Oklahoma, volunteers worked with The Nature Conservancy at Pearl Jackson Cross Timbers Preserve helping create new walking trails and maintain protected land that safeguards one of the largest remaining Cross Timbers forest tracts in Oklahoma.
“We couldn’t do this without our partners at Williams,” said Barry Maxwell, associate director of philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. “It makes a big difference to have employees out here working alongside us at Pearl Jackson Cross Timbers Preserve.”
“It’s nice to work for a company that encourages us to volunteer and step away from our day-to-day work,” said Matt Young, an engineer in Environmental Services. “We’re committed to being good stewards of the environment and good neighbors in the states where we operate.”
From creek cleanups to food security
Across the U.S., Williams teams chose volunteer projects that addressed local needs, supporting environmental health, food security, safety and education.
In West Virginia, employees partnered with students and community members to clean up Wheeling Creek and stock trout as part of an Earth Day service project, helping restore the creek for the families and students who enjoy it year-round.
“It’s rewarding to see it clean and healthy,” said Kevin Yokum, an environmental specialist at Williams. “Our employees care deeply about this creek, just like the students and families who live here.”
“It’s a great activity for students to take part in on Earth Day. What better way than to be in an outdoor classroom, learning science and stocking trout,” said Principal Richard Dunlevy of Elm Grove Elementary School.
In Houma, Louisiana, volunteers supported food security at Terrebonne Food Bank, helping provide groceries for 110 families and preparing supplies for upcoming distributions.
“We helped set the food bank up for the weeks ahead, and we plan to return,” said operations supervisor Keith Thibodaux. “It was a terrific experience.”
Local projects, lasting impact
Volunteer Week projects reflected employees’ connections to the places they call home, and the needs identified by local nonprofit partners.
In northeast Pennsylvania (where it even snowed one day), volunteers supported trail maintenance at Miller Mountain and completed bridge repairs and other maintenance at Patriots Cove.
“Patriots Cove has always been one of our employees’ favorite places to volunteer,” said field office administrator Tammy Bonnice. “We’re proud to support this special place where veterans and first responders can heal.”
In Houston, Sequent Energy Management employees hosted a book drive for Birthday Bash, a literacy nonprofit that supports children in need.
“A box is delivered to children on their birthday with everything they need to celebrate: cake mix, decorations, toys and, most importantly, a book to promote reading and education,” said Lindsay Gottsponer, an asset manager. “We were thrilled to help.”
In Louisa, Virginia, volunteers cleaned and repaired a Little League baseball field to help prepare the space for the season.
“It was a great chance to step away from our daily operations, work together as a team and help our neighbors,” said operations technician Timothy Thompson.
Volunteer Week at Williams: pride, purpose and partnership
Now in its fifth year, Williams Volunteer Week continues to grow in reach and impact. This year’s 108 projects across 16 states brought employees together with nonprofit partners to strengthen communities, support local programs and care for the places people enjoy every day.