May 22, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
Families across Georgia will have the essential items they need to provide for the youngest members of their families thanks to the help of Northwest Exterminating teammates and other volunteers from across the state. Nearly a dozen dedicated Northwest teammates helped distribute more than 500,000 diapers, wipes, pull-ups, adult underwear, and feminine hygiene products to help families in need. These items will go to the unhoused community or families that are on the brink of homelessness. Greg Green and Kristen Milligan, co-directors of the Northwest Good Deed Team, were also there with the ‘Chillin and Grillin’ grill trailer to provide lunch for all the volunteers.
On May 8, nearly a dozen teammates met in the parking lot of HomeAid Georgia loading stacks of boxes into the vehicles of more than 40 non-profit organizations as they drove through to pick up their pre-arranged supplies. Many of the recipients spoke about the impact the drive has on the communities they serve. “These essentials bring stability and allow moms to focus on other essentials that they need to spend their money on; these diapers make a huge difference,” said a representative from Well Root Family Services. Recipients used words like “wonderful,” “amazing,” and “exciting,” to describe the day but the word we heard most was “blessed.” You could see the gratitude and relief on their faces as they picked up their items. Some nonprofit representatives traveled from as far as Albany, GA., proof of just how great the need is within our local communities. Teammates are always thankful for opportunities to serve, and the recipient feedback was a powerful reminder of Northwest’s true reason behind why we’re in the “bug business: to care for people. This year’s Essentials Drive took a different approach. Instead of collecting items, 27 teams donated money, allowing HomeAid to purchase essentials at wholesale and maximize impact. Northwest contributed more than $2,000 to support the effort.
2026 marks 25 years of the Essentials Drive for HomeAid Georgia, and Northwest has been a proud partner for more than 20 of those years. This partnership is just another great example of what’s possible when organizations share a common goal of supporting members of our community facing the greatest challenges, and a true testament to teammates who show up time and again, ready to jump into action with a servant’s heart and show how much they truly care.
Our Northwest teams look forward to the continued partnership with HomeAid Georgia. If you would like to learn more and further support this incredible organization, please visit https://www.homeaidga.org/.
May 15, 2026 | Community News, Community/Events, Company News, Good Deed Team
Students and teachers at Shadow Rock Elementary School received a special treat when Northwest Exterminating teammates rolled in with the Chillin’ & Grillin’ grill on May 7. Teammates hosted a special Teacher Appreciation and 5th Grade Recognition lunch, serving burgers and hot dogs to honor hard working educators and the achievements of students preparing for their next big step of graduating to middle school. For many teachers, they were aware that Northwest was planning something, but they didn’t know just how big the outpouring of love and appreciation would be.
“I thought we were just going to have a few snacks,” said school psychologist Dr. Terri Blake. “When I saw the burgers and hot dogs, I thought, ‘Oh, they really love us.’ This is the type of school climate that I’m enjoying being in.”
The impact was just as meaningful for students. Fifth graders felt special and were proud to be recognized for their hard work. Younger students passed by noticing the special lunch set up, and many asked why they couldn’t join the celebration. Teammates were quick to encourage them, reminding students that if they continue to get good grades, they will get the same special treatment when they’re in the 5th grade.
Moments like these create a ripple effect. As Dr. Blake shared, “It makes the long days go faster. Our students are used to being supported and celebrated. I’m hoping they’ll see us being loved on and appreciate us a bit more and then its full circle, happier teachers mean happier students.”
For Northwest teammates, the day was just as uplifting; opportunities like this go beyond service. It’s about taking the initiative to make a difference in the lives of others and creating moments that remind people that they are appreciated.
Educators pour into the next generation every single day, and small gestures can make a lasting impact. Everyone has the ability to brighten a teacher’s day. We encourage everyone to take an extra moment to show appreciation for those making a difference around you!
May 8, 2026 | Company News, Good Deed Team
When you think about what it means to live the Northwest Way, Joseph Murray, service professional in Newnan, Georgia, immediately comes to mind. For Joe, our Core Values – Customers First, Do What is Right, Be Humble, Be Extraordinary, Move Forward – aren’t just words on paper; their values are ingrained in his DNA.
When Joe came in for his job interview, he and Service Center Manager Dave Horn had an instant connection, and Dave knew right away that Joe would be a perfect fit for Northwest. “The first couple of minutes after sitting down and talking to him, I thought, I don’t need to do anything else—I just pray your driving record is good, let’s do this!”
Joe’s genuine care for people is evident from the moment he steps onto a customer’s property. Each visit begins with a simple question: “What are we seeing?” While the question is intended to uncover pest concerns, the conversation often turns into a catch-up session between old friends. It doesn’t take long to realize that Joe isn’t just protecting homes, he’s building relationships. “They’re not just customers to Joe. Said office manager, Kayla Purcell. “He gets invited to cookouts, and to the kid’s birthday parties. They’re his extended family.”
He considers it a privilege to serve his customers, and many of them consider him to be family. For customer William Wilcox, he remembers their first meeting like it was yesterday. “Joe’s first visit was the day I was laid off from my job,” William shared. “I’ll never forget it. Before I knew it, we started talking, and Joe prayed with me right there on the spot. After he left, I remember feeling like everything was going to be okay.” As Mr. Wilcox reflected on that moment, tears filled his eyes. The service professional who once knocked on his door is now someone he calls a brother.
Joe’s personality is infectious, and it draws people in like bees to honey. His fun personality and positive energy make it nearly impossible to have a bad day around him. When asked what a bad day looks like, Joe smiled and said:
“I don’t think we have bad days. You may have a bad moment throughout the day, but what you do in that moment will define how you overcome it.” For Joe, it’s all about choices. Choosing to see golden opportunities rather than focusing on what went wrong.
Teammates experience Joe’s positive energy every day including his Good Deed Team co-ambassador, Savannah Casswell. She has worked with Joe for six months and says the best thing about working with Joe is his attitude. “He’s always upbeat and I really like his energy; he doesn’t let anything get him down. He’s just a positive person and it’s hard to have a bad day when you’re around him.”
Joe is the perfect example of serving with a servant’s heart. As Good Deed Team co-ambassador, he’s active in community initiatives. During a recent visit to Backpack Buddies, a Northwest community partner that provides food for students during school breaks, Joe naturally stepped into leadership. The team had the opportunity to deliver more than 50 bags filled with food to Ruth Hill Elementary School. On the morning of the delivery, Joe was coordinating vehicles, confirming volunteers, and ensuring the team arrived on time.
For Joe, giving back isn’t an obligation; it’s an opportunity. His personal volunteer resume includes everything from road clean ups, food banks, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters, and that list doesn’t include the volunteer work with his church Griffin Frist Assembly and his fraternal organization James E Acey Lodge 600 and Atlanta Consistory 24a.
Joe’s dedication to customers, teammates, and the community reflects who he is at his core: a man of faith, a family man, and someone who believes deeply in serving others. His giving heart shows up in quiet prayers on front porches, in food bags delivered with dignity, and teammates encouraged during tough times. In every moment, he chooses kindness over convenience. Joe’s legacy is measured in the lives he touches. He proves that extraordinary service isn’t about what you do; it’s about how deeply you care while doing it. For Joe Murray, serving others is part of his purpose.
Joe serves as an example to lead with a servant’s heart and with your eyes open to serve your team, customers, and community. By extending kindness, you’re not just touching the people you meet; you’re inspiring everyone to do the same a little more each day.
Apr 21, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
This Easter, pediatric patients at Willett Children’s Hospital in Savannah, GA experienced a moment of joy and celebration, thanks to Northwest Exterminating’s Good Deed Team. Dozens of Northwest teammates gathered at the Team Support Center in Marietta, Ga., stuffing approximately 400 plastic eggs with stickers, miniature stuffed animals, and mini glow sticks. Some of the eggs were included in the 50 Easter Baskets the team collected to take to the hospital, others were used to organize an easter egg hunt for the children who were able to participate.
“The Easter baskets were given to inpatient children, usually covering an entire floor,” said Kristen Milligan, Good Deed Team Co-Director. “Some went to children in the ER and new admissions patients, and the pediatric ICU received window clings to ensure there was something for everyone.”
The partnership between Willett Children’s Hospital and Northwest has been going strong since 2018. An office manager suggested Northwest get involved after realizing the hospital had little support. After meeting with the hospital’s Family Services Director, it became clear there was a need—and Northwest teammates didn’t hesitate to act. That same day, they visited local stores to stock the hospital’s empty pantries, ensuring parents could have meals while staying by their child’s side. Ever since, teammates from across the Southeast have continued to come together to support the hospital around the annual holidays, like Christmas trees and decorations.
Eight years later, the Easter basket initiative remains a beloved tradition—one that reflects the heart of Northwest. It’s about more than baskets and eggs; it’s about bringing comfort, creating moments of joy, and reminding children and their families that they are not alone. What started as a simple act of service quickly grew. From decorating hospital rooms at Christmas to creating Easter baskets, teammates have continued to find ways to show up for these families year after year.
Apr 7, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Teammates from Northwest Exterminating and our sister brand Orkin, had the opportunity to help students experience the joy of reading. Teammates served at Cane Ridge Elementary School near Nashville, Tn. as part of the Read Across America Program. The program is a nationwide event that encourages children to read and celebrate the importance of books.
Teammates read books to students in kindergarten through 5th grade, which made the day even more meaningful because the Read Across America Program was recognized on March 2, which is the same day as Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Teammates also brought snacks for the students and treats for teachers and staff so everyone could play a part and enjoy the day together.
This initiative allowed volunteers to step into classrooms sharing some of the books that once sparked their own love of reading. One book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, left a lasting impression on the students. By the end of the day, it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more, the students, whose faces lit up with excitement, or the adults, who found just as much joy stepping into their world.
Students also took the opportunity to get to know some of our teammates, asking questions about everything from chapter books to comic books. They also had lots of questions about the Northwest mascot, the Mouse. These types of experiences create moments that matter for both the students and teammates.
Having the opportunity to serve some of our youngest readers and support the love of reading is a gift. Days after the event, students sent dozens of handmade cards thanking teammates for taking the time to read to them.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, 2 out of 3 students in the United States are not reading at their grade level.
If you’re interested in getting involved, the Read Across America Program recommends:
• Volunteering to read in a classroom or after-school program
• Donating books to local schools or community book drives
• Sharing stories with children in their own families or neighborhoods
Small efforts can make a big difference! We are grateful for programs like Read Across America and others who support our local schools and students. We look forward to partnering again in the future.
Apr 7, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Teammates in Newnan, Ga. are working to help prevent food insecurities among students across Coweta County. Partnering together with Backpack Buddies, a non-profit organization that provides food to children during school breaks, the team was able to deliver more than 50 bags of food to Ruth Hill Elementary. This effort is part of an ongoing partnership, with teammates working alongside Backpack Buddies ahead of every school break to help bridge the gap for families who rely on school meals during the week.
According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, 1 in 6 children will go to bed hungry and in some instances the meal they get at school may be the only food they have to eat all day. This reality inspired teammates to get involved. Good Deed Team ambassadors Joe Murray, Service Professional, and Savannah Casswell, Administrative Professional, organized the effort by coordinating the number of vehicles and volunteers needed to load and transport the food. They also worked with Backpack Buddies and school administrators to coordinate the best time to deliver the food.
Once the planning was complete, teammates gathered, loaded up their vehicles, and made their first stop at Backpack Buddies before caravanning to the school. Efforts like these are a reflection of a larger commitment shared across the Northwest Family of Brands. For teammates, giving back is how we show up for our local community. It’s a reminder that making a difference doesn’t require a grand gesture, just a willingness to show up. When a community comes together, even small acts can have a lasting impact.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved with Backpack Buddies and support local families in your community, please visit https://backpackbuddiesga.org/
Mar 13, 2026 | Company News, Good Deed Team
Northwest Exterminating teammates spent National Random Acts of Kindness Day volunteering at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Two dozen teammates arrived bright and early at the Hunger Action Center on February 17 with one goal in mind: make a meaningful impact. By the end of the shift, they had packed enough food to provide nearly 15,000 meals for low-income families across Metro Atlanta.
Inside the warehouse, teammates were split into groups and assigned different tasks. Some checked expiration dates, others sorted donated items, while another team built and broke down boxes to keep the lines moving efficiently. Every box packed represented a family that could go to bed with full bellies and peace of mind. The energy in the room was contagious, teammates kept smiles on their faces as they worked with focus and determination.
The day was a true reflection of what it means to live out our Service Standard: Serve with a Servant’s Heart. At Northwest, that means putting others first and showing that we truly care by stepping in wherever there is a need. Whether protecting a customer’s home or packing food in a warehouse, Northwest teammates lead with compassion and a genuine desire to help. Moments like this are powerful examples of what it means to live the Northwest Way. Serving with Heart means giving time and talent generously and caring deeply about the communities we serve. Teammates show up not because they have to, but because they want to.
Above all, teammates walked away feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve. Giving back to families in need wasn’t just an act of kindness, it was a privilege. There was a shared sense of appreciation for the chance to step outside of daily responsibilities and make a difference in someone else’s life.
Random Acts of Kindness Day holds a special place in the Northwest Family of Brands. Teammates recognize the national day each February and celebrate the company-wide Act of Kindness Day in May. Both occasions create intentional opportunities for teammates across the Southeast to uplift one another. Acts of kindness may range from holding the door open or buying lunch for a teammate to organizing larger service projects like this one but no matter the size, the message is clear: teammates are valued, appreciated, and committed to making a difference. Opportunities like this remind us that when we live out our Service Standard, the difference isn’t just felt in the community; it’s felt in the heart of our Northwest family as well.
Feb 23, 2026 | Community News, Company News, Good Deed Team
Teammates from both Northwest Exterminating and Bug House Pest Control came together to prove that a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of care, can go a long way in making a difference.
A 30-day competition between the two teams raised a total of almost 2,300 non-perishable food items. Bug House ultimately claimed the victory with 1,237 cans of food collected and donated, slightly edging out Northwest’s impressive 1,029. What’s the prize for the winning team you ask? An ice cream party hosted by the other team. But when you ask both teams, they’ve shared the same answer – the opportunity to give back and help the families who live in the communities where they each live and work is the real victory.
The food collection was donated to The Grace House Community Food Bank in Fort Valley, GA.
The idea was sparked by Katie Hall, Northwest’s Macon Office Manager, and Ryan Reeves, Bug House’s Macon Service Professional,
and the effort is deeply personal, “The community has supported me and my family in so many ways, and this food drive is my chance to pay that kindness forward and help others the way they’ve helped me,” said Ryan.
For Katie, giving back isn’t just about donating food; it’s about passing on the value of service and compassion to the next generation. “It’s a way to teach my son how to be a helper, and how to make a positive impact on our community,” said Katie. “It’s about leaving something better than how you found it.”
Having the opportunity for both teams to come together to support the community they love is what our culture is all about. As we grow, we’re granted even more opportunity to give back and make a difference for the people, organizations, and communities around us, and what a gift that is.
This friendly food drive competition is just one example of how teammates live out our culture of working together, uplifting our communities, and spreading kindness. How are you coming together this year to make a difference?
Jan 26, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Teammates from across more than 50 offices within Northwest Exterminating’s Family of Brands donated more than 5,000 toys to the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign. After over a decade of partnering with the Marine Corps on this initiative, teammates look forward to the opportunity to spread joy and holiday cheer to as many children as possible in support of the yearly campaign.
Throughout November and December, local offices opened their doors to the community, inviting customers, partners, and neighbors to join them in bringing smiles by donating gifts for local families. Acting as local drop sites for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign, teams were able to donate new toys and bikes.
As donations poured in, teams worked together to organize and coordinate multiple deliveries to nearby Toys for Tots distribution warehouses ensuring that the toys collected locally would stay within the communities.
“The holidays can be incredibly difficult for some families, and knowing that our teammates, customers and community partners helped bring joy to children who may have otherwise gone without is truly moving,” said Randy Wilhite, vice president of business development at Northwest Exterminating. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who opened their hearts to help make the holidays a little brighter for children across our communities.”
Over the past ten years, the Toys for Tots campaign has become a cherished tradition across the Northwest Family of Brands. It’s an opportunity that teammates look forward to each year, not just to give, but to serve together and make a lasting difference.
Living the Northwest Way means serving others and stepping up when there’s a need. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to partner with such an incredible organization, and we look forward to working together with the Toys for Tots campaign in 2026.
