Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has teamed up with brand ambassador and Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan to support the local community this holiday season. On Monday, Dec. 9, the company held its Holidays with Love giveback event at partner school Miles Intermediate Elementary School in Atlanta as part of MBUSA’s national corporate social responsibility program Driving Your Future.
Throughout the afternoon, students were gifted brand-new hoodies, hats and gloves while enjoying holiday cookies, a live DJ, a snow machine, an appearance from Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon and more. Additionally, team members from the global nonprofit organization Safe Kids Worldwide demonstrated how students can stay safe and warm this winter.
We chatted with Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, to discuss the giveback celebration, the company’s Driving Your Future program and how the brand aims to empower the next generation.
This December, the Mercedes-Benz USA team brought the magic of the holiday season to life by transforming our partner schools—Miles Elementary School and Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy—into winter wonderland experiences for the students. The events featured snow, music, holiday treats and special guests, including Atlanta United goalkeeper and MBUSA ambassador Brad Guzan and Atlanta Falcons Mascot Freddie the Falcon. In collaboration with our nonprofit partner, Safe Kids Worldwide, we set up interactive safety stations designed to teach students life-saving lessons and equip them with essential tools to stay safe on and around the road this winter. Additionally, each student received cold-weather necessities, including hats, gloves and hoodies, ensuring they remain warm and protected throughout the season.
At MBUSA, safety and innovation are at the core of everything we do. We believe that by educating children and their caregivers early on, we are not only protecting lives but also fostering a culture of safety and awareness. This year, we provided students at our partner schools with brand-new winter gear, including hoodies, hats, gloves and reflective key chains. We partnered with the national nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide to equip the students with valuable lessons about pedestrian and child passenger safety, ensuring they are prepared for both the winter season and their future.
For me, these events encapsulate what the holiday season is all about: spreading joy, strengthening connections in our community and empowering bright futures. Now in its third year, this celebration has become an anticipated and cherished tradition for MBUSA, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. I love seeing our MBUSA employees volunteer their time to bring these events to life and put a smile on students’ faces. Their participation not only makes these events fun but also reflects our culture—our company is deeply committed to the well-being of the communities around us. It’s not just about the festivities but also the impact we can make—providing warmth, safety and support to young people in our communities. For me, this is the true spirit of Driving Your Future—empowering our employees to give back and ensuring that, together, we leave a positive, lasting legacy for future generations.
Driving Your Future is MBUSA’s corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at empowering the next generation through educational programs. We focus on critical areas such as education, career readiness and injury prevention. By collaborating with our national nonprofit partners at Safe Kids Worldwide and Junior Achievement, we strive to equip young people with the tools, skills and confidence to succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
MBUSA’s giveback initiatives are driven by our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Our efforts are powered by the dedication of MBUSA employee volunteers who generously give their time to support local causes through initiatives like “Holidays with Love” and our broader Driving Your Future program. While our employee volunteers play a crucial role, we encourage everyone to take inspiration from these efforts and find ways to spread goodwill, whether through volunteering or simply helping a neighbor.
Over the past year, MBUSA employees have generously dedicated more than 7,500 hours to supporting meaningful causes, participating in 130 impactful volunteer events. In the year ahead, we are looking forward to expanding Driving Your Future’s reach and deepening its impact. This includes continuing our national nonprofit partnerships and exploring innovative ways to empower young people through ongoing education and support. We are excited about our upcoming National Volunteer Week, where MBUSA employees across the country will come together to support their local communities through volunteer efforts. Our vision is to drive long-term positive change that resonates far beyond the holiday season.
See also: Here Are The Best Holiday Events In Atlanta In 2024
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