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/
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.
Jan 23, 2026 | Good Deed Team
Nearly a dozen Northwest teammates helped families served by Atlanta Inner-City Ministry (AIM) celebrate the holidays during its annual Holiday Party.
Teammates rolled up their sleeves and put their culinary skills to the test by cooking and serving “Breakfast for Dinner” to approximately 50 children and their families. The menu featured scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, fresh fruit, and a variety of drinks. In addition to cooking and serving, teammates also took on another important role: manning the cookie-decorating station, where fun and creativity were in full supply.
The fun didn’t stop there. Families enjoyed singing Christmas carols and capturing special moments with Santa. At the end of the evening, each child went home with a winter coat helping ensure they stayed warm throughout the season.
While the night was memorable for the families being served, it was just as meaningful for the teammates who volunteered their time.
“It is a genuine joy for our team to come together each year to prepare and serve breakfast for the children and families. There are always moments of laughter, especially when cooking what feels like endless amounts of bacon, but the real reward is seeing the smiles and warmth shared throughout the evening,” said Kristen Milligan, Good Deed Team Co-Director.
The Good Deed Team has proudly partnered with AIM for the past ten years, supporting children and families in the Lakewood Community. AIM is dedicated to uplifting the community by providing resources, encouragement, and opportunities that help families thrive.
Events like AIM’s Holiday Party reflect the Northwest Way in action: working together, giving back, and showing genuine care for the people and communities, we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support such an incredible organization.
For more information on AIM or learn how you can support their mission, visit https://www.aimatlanta.org/.
