We believe in the power of good, lifting up others in their time of need and giving back to the communities where we live and thrive. It's something that sets Averitt apart in the trucking industry, because we are so passionate about making a positive impact on those around us. Since 1986, our associates have lived out this mission and donated tens of thousands of hours and nearly $13 million to make a difference in people's lives.
More than 30 years ago, we started Averitt Cares for Kids, our non-profit charitable giving organization that is funded by associate donations and through company contributions on behalf of our associates. At that time, we only dreamed of getting to where we are today. In total, our associates have donated over $10 million to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help its efforts to conquer cancer and other devastating diseases.
We've also had the opportunity to make a difference in our local communities through our Team Up Community Challenge. Every Averitt facility plans its own events and chooses which organizations to serve, with our associates donating their time in areas that are most important to them. These projects have been everything from fundraisers to food and clothing drives to blood drives and more. Additionally, our uniform recycling program has repurposed over 15,000 items to provide clothing to those in need around the world.
In just the last year alone, Averitt associates have had the opportunity to help over 140 organizations in nearly 100 communities through financial and tangible donations, as well as over 6,300 volunteer hours. We were also able to achieve another incredible milestone by making our largest-ever donation of $1,050,001 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Our donation represented the largest employee-generated contribution ever for St. Jude.
If you believe in giving back as much as we do, we invite you to join us! Connect with us today to learn more about making a difference with Averitt. You can also learn more about the work we're doing in our communities at AverittCareers.com/Giving.
Looking for a team with passion for giving back? Then take a look at Averitt - see openings in your area now!