In 2017, the Charlotte office of JE Dunn Construction initiated a transformative partnership with Classroom Central, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping students and teachers in under-resourced schools with the necessary supplies to succeed. This collaboration was spearheaded by Josh McConaughey, who had previously engaged with Classroom Central through another organization. With his extensive background and personal connection to education through his wife, a local educator, McConaughey brought this meaningful cause to JE Dunn’s Charlotte team, inspiring them to act.
Classroom Central serves approximately 250 schools in the Greater Charlotte area, impacting around 75,000 local students. These schools, where over half of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch programs, often face significant resource challenges. Recognizing this need, JE Dunn has become a critical supporter of Classroom Central’s initiatives, which include an annual school supply drive, a backpack build program and an annual fundraising breakfast.
The partnership began modestly, with participation from JE Dunn in Classroom Central’s committees and events. However, it quickly grew into a robust, multi-faceted collaboration. JE Dunn has consistently been one of the largest donors and participants in the school supply drive, contributing essential items year after year. This drive is a cornerstone event that mobilizes JE Dunn employees and their trade partners, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The culmination of these efforts is a rally where team members load JE Dunn trucks with collected supplies, delivering them directly to Classroom Central.
In addition to the supply drive, JE Dunn participates in the backpack build program, an initiative that sees volunteers assembling and distributing backpacks filled with necessary school supplies to students in need. These backpacks serve as a tangible symbol of support and readiness, ensuring that every student has the tools required to start the school year confidently.
The commitment to Classroom Central took a significant turn in 2019 when McConaughey was asked to serve on the organization’s board. His leadership has further cemented JE Dunn’s involvement, culminating in his role as the board chair. Under his guidance, JE Dunn has not only contributed time and resources but has also undertaken substantial projects to enhance Classroom Central’s operations.
One of the most notable contributions was the extensive renovation of Classroom Central’s facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The building, which functions as an office space for the organization’s employees, a retail store where teachers can shop for free supplies, and a warehouse for storage; was in dire need of repairs. The facility which can serve as a place of inspiration for the teachers that shop there and the volunteers that support the cause was facing numerous issues, including broken windows and general disrepair. JE Dunn, leveraging its expertise and partnerships, undertook a two-phase renovation project that revitalized the space, creating a bright, welcoming, and secure environment for teachers and staff alike.
“During COVID, we transitioned our program, and it was a good opportunity for us to come in and renovate in two phases,” McConaughey said. “We basically redid every inch of the facility and created a much more inviting, safer place.”
The new facility not only improved safety and aesthetics but also enhanced operational efficiency and teacher engagement. Teachers visiting the facility now experience a welcoming, organized space that reflects the respect and support JE Dunn holds for their essential work.
“Imagine sending your kids ill-equipped to go to school and the feelings that come from that. We look at this in the same way. We would never send one of our employees to a job site without the proper safety equipment. It’s the same principle,” McConaughey said.
The partnership with Classroom Central has also had a profound impact on JE Dunn’s Charlotte office and all of its employees. Lek Sullivan has been instrumental in getting the annual events organized, specifically School Tools, which garnered 47,500 collected items and $23,000 in funds raised in 2023 alone. Classroom Central has helped foster a culture of giving and community involvement, where employees eagerly volunteer for events like the backpack build and supply drive.
In essence, JE Dunn’s partnership with Classroom Central exemplifies the company’s dedication to building futures, both through construction projects and philanthropic endeavors. More than just contributing supplies, JE Dunn is investing in the success and potential of countless students, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive academically and beyond.