Debbie Russell walking in the Sour Patch 5K.

One Employee Taking Big Steps to Make a Difference

Debbie Russell take big steps to raise awareness and funds for local charitable organizations.

Much like everything else, this year’s Corporate Citizenship efforts look a little different. Without bake sales, potlucks, golf outings and other group events, we had to get creative.

Debbie Russell, Sr. Accounting Associate in Olympic Steel’s Winder, GA facility, put a spin on her already scheduled volunteer activities to make sure she could continue to support the organizations that mean the most to her. She signed up to participate in a Sour Patch 5K on June 6th with family members. The Virtual Walk for Wishes to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation® was also scheduled for that day. Although she wasn’t technically registered to participate in the Walk for Wishes, Debbie decided to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® while walking in the Sour Patch 5K. Through donations from friends, family and coworkers, Debbie raised $365 in support of the Make-A-Wish mission.

Continuing this spirit of giving, Debbie is registered to participate in the Georgia Race for Autism 5K on October 3 with the same team who participated in the Sour Patch 5K. She participates in this race to show support for her niece’s youngest son, Chase, who is autistic. After that race, they’ve signed up for yet another great cause race – the Trippadoodles Trot to support the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities!

Debbie sums up the reason for participating in events like these and why it means so much to give a little bit of ourselves to a greater cause: “It fills my heart to be able to do this for these amazing charities. I can’t say I’m racing to win, but I’m already a winner each and every time I take a step for someone else’s benefit.”