At Ford, Building Together starts with showing up, and in Lima, Ohio, that’s been happening for generations.

Since opening in 1957, the Ford Lima Engine Plant has been a constant in the community, known not only for the engines built inside its walls but also for its more than 1,400 employees, many of whom step beyond those walls to serve their neighbors. Supporting the community has always been part of what it means to work at Lima.

That commitment continues today through close collaboration with local Ford dealers, including Reineke Family Dealerships. Together, they turn shared roots in Northwest Ohio into hands-on support, most recently by coming together to address food access.

Last week, that shared sense of purpose brought employee volunteers to the West Ohio Food Bank, a member of the Feeding America network and a Ford Building Together partner. Volunteers from the Ford Lima Engine Plant and Reineke Family Dealerships sorted donations and packed nearly 850 boxes of nutritious food for individuals and families across 11 counties.

“It means a great deal to have the Reineke Dealership and the Ford Lima team dedicating their time to pack and distribute meals; it truly shows pride in our community,” said Molly Pitney, volunteer coordinator for West Ohio Food Bank. “In an ever-changing economy, anyone might need a helping hand at some point. This partnership makes a real difference for our neighbors.

The Reineke family has been part of Northwest Ohio for more than 65 years, and when their Ford dealership opened in Lima in 2011, it added another chapter to that long-standing commitment.

“We’ve always been deeply committed to our community,” said Suzie Reineke. “The organizations we partner with support many of the same people who walk through our dealership doors. Being able to give back, especially when it’s needed most, means a lot to us.”

The volunteer day is the latest chapter in a seven-year collaboration between the Ford Lima Engine Plant and Reineke Family Dealerships. Over that time, their efforts have included supporting the Lima Veterans Food Pantry, raising funds for the March of Dimes, and serving meals at local shelters.

“At Ford, we believe in leading through service,” said Lamar Jones, Lima Engine Plant Manager. “Our work here in Lima, and our partnership with Reineke, is how we live those values every day.”

The recent work in Lima is just one example of how Ford is bringing the full power of its people, resources, and dealerships to make a real difference in communities through Building Together. From supporting local nonprofits to tackling important issues like food access, Ford teams are coming together to lend a hand where it’s needed most.

This year, Ohio dealerships joined the World’s Largest Dealer Food Drive, collecting food donations to help neighbors across the state. It’s a reminder that when the full force of Ford comes together, even small efforts can create a big impact.

“Our employees have volunteered side by side with the people who build the engines for the vehicles we sell,” Reineke added. “That connection, to each other and to the community, is incredibly rewarding.”

Across the country, Ford Building Together brings nonprofits and employee volunteers together to support communities where we live and work. In Lima, that commitment is clear every day — one volunteer, one box, one meal at a time.

Kate Dennis shares stories as part of the Ford Philanthropy communications team.