TDS donates more than 10,000 school supplies to schools across the country

In the first all-company school supply drive, TDS employees contributed thousands of items.

In its first ever all-company school supply, toiletries, and first aid drive, TDS Telecom (TDS^®) employees in New Mexico, Oregon, Minnesota, Utah, and Wisconsin contributed more than 10,000 items. The items will be donated to local school districts and include backpacks, art supplies, tissues, and organizational materials.

Local organizers shared their feelings after such a successful effort.

”It’s great to be a part of a company that is so committed to giving back,” said Monroe, Wisconsin organizer Anita Walden, payment center lead at TDS. “Since this is the first annual, I’m excited to see what the future holds for the TDS all-company school supply, toiletries, and first-aid drive!”

Sarah Reister, a contact center coordinator for TDS and the St. George, Utah organizer said she has never worked for a company that exhibits the kind of philanthropic culture TDS is built upon.

“It is such a blessing and privilege to work for a company that truly cares about the communities it serves and allows employees, such as myself, the time and resources to be involved in volunteer opportunities,” said Reister. “I have worked for several companies over the years, and TDS is the only one that has promoted this type of stewardship. I am proud to be part of the TDS family!”

TDS Telecom has always held volunteering and giving back as a core value. Encouraging donations of time and talents to the communities the company serves started back in 1969, when the company first started offering phone service.

The founder of Telephone and Data Systems, Roy Carlson, once said, “I firmly believe that a local community is best served by local people who are aware of local needs.”

The drive was jointly sponsored by TDS’ Community Outreach program and Employee Resource Groups. For more information about community involvement, visit tdstelecom.com.