United for Service is an opportunity for you to volunteer side-by-side with fellow Heritage family from November 13-17. This experience is all about building a sense of community among the Heritage family while also giving back in a meaningful way to the communities we live and work in.

History of United for Service

In 2014, the Fehsenfeld Family Council decided it was time to refocus their family retreats, family members wanted to become more involved surrounding their gatherings and wanted a way to connect and give back to the community. Together they decided learning and giving back as a group was the best way to move forward. The family established two models for their retreats, United for Learning and United for Service. The goal is to gather and learn something new and take on a community service project.

The family chose November 17 for its day of service because November 17 holds a special day for The Heritage Group – it is the day that the company was founded. In 1930, during the Great Depression, John E. Fehsenfeld met a need in his community, delivering home heating oil. From this beginning, the family business has grown to more than 30 operating companies, 5,000 employees, in 47 states and four countries.

Together through United for Service, we can all help meet another need – putting food on families’ tables. Because of our size and footprint, we have the power to make an impact within our communities.

Why Focus on Food Scarcity?

The need for food is key to our existence, it is a part of our culture. But for some, putting food on the table is a struggle.

According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the U.S. are food insecure. Every community is home to families who face hunger, and this is even more true in rural communities where there are limited job opportunities and limited transportation options to reach grocery stores or pantries.

Thankfully, there are many community-based organizations that help address this issue. You can support those causes by volunteering with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal providers during United for Service Week.

How to Participate

Sign up with your team

In our largest markets, members of the Social Impact Task Force are working to create impactful volunteer experiences to fit each location’s employee base, schedule, and space. There might be an on-site event as well as options that get you offsite to see what the fight against hunger looks like in the community. Whatever time you can give to this cause is appreciated. Check the volunteer sign-up for opportunities in your area.​​​​​​​

To sign up for a volunteer shift, click here. You can search for volunteer opportunities within your area by typing in your location in the search criteria box.

Other locations/remote employees

The opportunities to amplify our impact are endless. Use our Remote Volunteer Guide to plan your own experience in your community or set up a food drive or a snack bag packing event.

Have a question to ask or a story/photo to share? Be sure to contact [email protected].