COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT THE WILLS GROUP

Our Community Engagement program provides a unique opportunity to bond with my colleagues while making a positive difference in the community.”

– Allison Harris, Senior Regional Trainer
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT THE WILLS GROUP

“The community outreach and volunteering culture at the Wills Group is contagious.”

– Robert Swaninger, Senior Coordinator of Development
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT THE WILLS GROUP

“From community clean up to feeding the hungry, the Wills Group understands the positive impact it can have.”

– Barbara Nova, Director of Food & Beverage

Keeping Lives in Motion.

For nearly 100 years, the Wills Group has been committed to serving our communities, making meaningful contributions through all aspects of our business. The purpose of our company – Lives in Motion is how we express this commitment to caring for our diverse communities.

We work closely with nonprofit and community organizations to create pathways and places for families and communities to thrive. With our passionate employees leading the way, we collaborate with our neighbors, engaging the voices and talents of those who know their communities best to address immediate needs and identify opportunities to bring their aspirations to life.

$6 million+
donated since 2006

$449,000+
raised through Employee Match Campaign since 2016

$2.7 million+
raised at Blackie Wills Golf Classic events since 2017

45
local organizations supported across the Mid-Atlantic region

95%
average employee participation in volunteerism

How the Wills Group Addresses Hunger

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The Wills Group Releases FY2023 Community Engagement Report Announcing More Than $1 Million in Grants and Investments

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A Wills Group Partner Spotlight: Oasis Fresh Foods Market

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A Wills Group Partner Spotlight: Melwood

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The Wills Group Raises Over $374,000 at Seventh Annual Blackie Wills Golf Classic

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The Wills Group Announces $450k in Grants to the Community, and Progress on Tanglewood Park Revitalization Project

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What is keeping Lives in Motion?

Lives in Motion means we believe every interaction is an opportunity to help people move forward toward their goals and dreams. It starts with meeting basic needs, but it takes more than that. It takes a belief that all of us are worthy of a full and rewarding life and have a contribution to make to our communities. This idea inspires our Community Engagement efforts and our two primary areas of focus.

Nourishing Children
and Families

We start where it matters most: Nourishing Children and Families. This focus reflects an understanding that young people thrive when their families thrive. 

According to the latest estimate from No Kid Hungry, as many as 9 million children live in “food insecure” homes. This means these households don’t have enough food for every family member to lead a healthy life.

We partner with regional and local food banks and pantries to increase food security by addressing immediate needs and supporting long-term solutions to persistent challenges such as food supply and distribution and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Ultimately well-balanced meals nourish growing bodies, nurture growing minds, and support healthy families.

Reimagining
Outdoor Spaces

Keeping Lives in Motion also means connecting people and places by Reimagining Outdoor Spaces

Vibrant, welcoming outdoor spaces help bring people together.  In addition to play, sports, rest, and fun, outdoor spaces are a place where creativity flourishes. Overgrown lots and unused courts become the tapestry for Lives in Motion.   

Whether it’s transforming walkways into connected paths, basketball courts into murals, or concrete areas into picnic destinations, the Wills Group collaborates with organizations and communities to envision and bring to life reimagined community spaces near Dash In stores.

Foundationally, connected neighbors create stronger communities and support thriving families.

See our Community Engagement work in action.

In 2022, the Wills Group invested more than $130,000 to transform Phoenix Run Park in La Plata, Maryland. The centerpiece of Phoenix Run Park is the new basketball courts with murals created by La Plata artist and founder of Three Ring Studio, Donald Ely.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECT UPDATES

The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund

The Wills Group’s commitment to employee and community engagement is supported by the Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund was created in 2016 to honor Wills Group President Julian Blacklock “Blackie” Wills and his commitment to giving back to local communities. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund actively reinvests in our communities in support of our vision and strategic philanthropic initiatives. The Blackie Wills Community Leadership Fund is a component fund within Chesapeake Charities, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Interested in joining a team that gives back to the communities where it lives and operates? Join us.

Learn more about our corporate community engagement work in our annual reports:

2023 Community Engagement Report

Community Engagement is central to the Wills Group’s culture and values.