VALDOSTA — Employees of the GAF Valdosta facility kicked off the new year by giving back to their community and making a meaningful impact right in their backyards.

This past November, several members of the GAF team participated in a company community day where they met with 13 nonprofits in the Valdosta-Lowndes area, including Habitat for Humanity of Valdosta, Second Harvest of South Georgia, and the Greater Valdosta United Way. During the meeting, employees learned more about each organization’s mission and how GAF could support them, according to a press release from GAF Valdosta.

Plant manager Daniel Duston and administrative assistant Amber Waters recently revisited the nonprofits and presented donations to support the organizations and their outreach throughout the community. For Second Harvest of South Georgia, the donation will help to fund operational efforts and provide over 87,000 meals to residents.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, said it is proud to support the Valdosta area and its residents through GAF Community Matters, its social impact initiative focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners in the community by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to help build resilient communities.

“We’re very proud of the community where we live and work,” said Duston. “GAF is dedicated to continuing to support the city and its residents in meaningful ways as it becomes a member of the Valdosta community.”

GAF announced last year the building of a TPO manufacturing plant in Valdosta to support its existing commercial roofing operations. GAF chose Valdosta because of its ideal location relative to other GAF operations as well as the city’s strong community values and talented workforce that brings a wealth of experience and innovative manufacturing capabilities. GAF is bringing in more than 100 jobs to Lowndes County over the next six years, adding to its Georgia operations in Savannah, Statesboro, and Cumming that collectively employ 225 residents.