Volunteering is mutually beneficial: Anthony Reyna
When we discuss Georgia-stewardship Pacific's framework and the volunteer work our employees do in our communities, we must mention Anthony Reyna.
Anthony, a customer strategy manager, and his wife have participated in a number of Habitat for Humanity build projects, a long-standing Georgia-Pacific partner. We have worked with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years to build homes for qualified and hardworking families.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer, we spoke with Anthony about what it means to him to help others and why volunteering inspires him to do even more.
Q: Anthony, please tell us how you got involved with Habitat for Humanity and what inspired you to continue with other projects.
A: While attending the University of Georgia, I heard about a house build sponsored by several school clubs through my service group, and the opportunity appealed to me, so I volunteered to try it. After I graduated and began working for Georgia-Pacific, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Atlanta chapter, which was a great reminder of my previous work with the organization.
Q: How many builds have you participated in? What are some of the physical demands placed on volunteers, and what is your favorite part of the construction process?
A: My wife and I joined Habitat's Century Club in 2022, which means we volunteered 100+ hours on various builds. This includes building with GP, volunteering at our local church, and doing community service. I've roughly participated in 13 builds over the course of my career. Volunteers assist with the installation of the foundation and subfloors, as well as the construction of walls and other structures. I strive to live an intentional life of continuous improvement marked by stewardship, and Habitat is a natural outlet for me. I am also fulfilled when I can assist others in doing the same, whether on a construction site or as a leader at GP.
Q: Can you tell me more about how you use your volunteer experience as a leader at GP?
A: I always see everything I do as an opportunity to put my resources and talents to good use in order to help others. In fact, I hold myself accountable in this way: I don't shine unless those around me shine. I personally grow a lot from building authentic relationships and creating value together, whether it's with a new homeowner or a coworker. When working with a team, we try to find new and better ways to do things together, just like on a construction site.
Q: Anthony, one more question. Your motivation and community efforts are consistent with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of serving others and encouraging others to do the same. Any words of wisdom for those considering volunteering?
A: When you are able to engage with your community by serving others, you feel more connected to it and help it grow. I believe it is mutually beneficial because I believe I get back what I put into my community through service. Volunteering broadens your perspective and connects you to the realities of those around you that aren't necessarily your realities. There appears to be an infinite amount of value that can be created and received by assisting others. You could even spend 100+ quality hours with your loved one.
If you'd like to support Habitat for Humanity click here.
Anthony, a customer strategy manager, and his wife have participated in a number of Habitat for Humanity build projects, a long-standing Georgia-Pacific partner. We have worked with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years to build homes for qualified and hardworking families.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer, we spoke with Anthony about what it means to him to help others and why volunteering inspires him to do even more.
Q: Anthony, please tell us how you got involved with Habitat for Humanity and what inspired you to continue with other projects.
A: While attending the University of Georgia, I heard about a house build sponsored by several school clubs through my service group, and the opportunity appealed to me, so I volunteered to try it. After I graduated and began working for Georgia-Pacific, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Atlanta chapter, which was a great reminder of my previous work with the organization.
Q: How many builds have you participated in? What are some of the physical demands placed on volunteers, and what is your favorite part of the construction process?
A: My wife and I joined Habitat's Century Club in 2022, which means we volunteered 100+ hours on various builds. This includes building with GP, volunteering at our local church, and doing community service. I've roughly participated in 13 builds over the course of my career. Volunteers assist with the installation of the foundation and subfloors, as well as the construction of walls and other structures. I strive to live an intentional life of continuous improvement marked by stewardship, and Habitat is a natural outlet for me. I am also fulfilled when I can assist others in doing the same, whether on a construction site or as a leader at GP.
Q: Can you tell me more about how you use your volunteer experience as a leader at GP?
A: I always see everything I do as an opportunity to put my resources and talents to good use in order to help others. In fact, I hold myself accountable in this way: I don't shine unless those around me shine. I personally grow a lot from building authentic relationships and creating value together, whether it's with a new homeowner or a coworker. When working with a team, we try to find new and better ways to do things together, just like on a construction site.
Q: Anthony, one more question. Your motivation and community efforts are consistent with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of serving others and encouraging others to do the same. Any words of wisdom for those considering volunteering?
A: When you are able to engage with your community by serving others, you feel more connected to it and help it grow. I believe it is mutually beneficial because I believe I get back what I put into my community through service. Volunteering broadens your perspective and connects you to the realities of those around you that aren't necessarily your realities. There appears to be an infinite amount of value that can be created and received by assisting others. You could even spend 100+ quality hours with your loved one.
If you'd like to support Habitat for Humanity click here.
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