Korellis assists the Region through volunteer work, blood drives, and additional community involvement opportunities

Since 1960, Korellis has been committed not just to quality commercial and industrial roofing, but also its community involvement. Over the past year, the organization has worked on a plethora of projects to help meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses.

Korellis has found a series of ways to support the local communities and lend a helping hand. This includes the team building a swing set for children and families served by Haven House NWI in Hammond as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.

“Some projects have allowed us to use the skills we bring to work every day, like donating materials and labor to install a roof over the outdoor kennel and meet-and-greet area at South Suburban Humane Society,” said Kat Gellert, service operations coordinator at Korellis. “That roof now gives adoptable dogs a more comfortable, protected place to exercise, socialize, and spend time with potential families. Each project was different, but they all gave our employees an opportunity to share their time, skills, or resources.”

Additional opportunities for Korellis include breakfast for dinner for families at Ronald McDonald House Charities, volunteer work at Fresh Start Market and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, supporting a food drive, ringing bells for The Salvation Army, and hosting its first blood drive with Versiti. A total of 20 units of blood for patients in need were collected at the blood drive, with 16 participating employees. 

Korellis has also helped create opportunities through its Culture and Connection Committee.

“Giving back is personal, because Northwest Indiana is our home,” Gellert said. “Our involvement is also shaped by what an organization actually needs. Sometimes, that means donating professional roofing services and materials. We want to listen, show up, and contribute in a way that helps.”

From donations to roofing work, these contributions have allowed Korellis to strengthen relationships and improve other organizations. The South Suburban Humane Society project is a major example of how the company used its trade to meet a specific need. The roof includes shade and protection over an area where adoptable dogs can exercise and meet prospective families.

“The South Suburban Humane Society roof project stands out, because it allowed us to take something Korellis does every day and use it to create a lasting improvement for a local nonprofit,” Gellert said. “Our team was able to provide materials, craftsmanship, and labor in a way that will continue benefiting the shelter and the animals in its care well beyond the day the work was completed.”

A home-cooked meal at Ronald McDonald House Charities allows Korellis to support several families who are caring for a hospitalized child. A swing set at Haven House during the United Way Day of Caring helped give children an opportunity to play. Korellis spent the day building a swing set at the Hammond location following the recent storm damage in Northwest Indiana.

Through collaborative efforts, the Korellis team takes pride in working alongside others towards positive change.

“Those two projects represent different sides of Korellis. One drew directly on our professional roofing expertise, while the other brought employees together around a simple, hands-on act of care. Both began with an organization having a need and people being willing to help meet it,” Gellert said.

The Korellis team is looking forward to furthering the relationships they already have, along with remaining open to new needs and opportunities throughout the Region. Workforce development is also important to the team. Participating in career fairs and school programs allows the younger generation to discover these opportunities and resources early.

“At Hanover Central High School’s Building Trades Day, our team partnered with SRS Distribution to donate roofing materials and give approximately 20 students hands-on experience drying in and shingling a roof,” Gellert said. “A couple of students contacted us afterward about employment opportunities. That response showed us how meaningful it can be for students to work beside people in the trades. It is about investing in the future workforce of our Region.”

It’s not just about working in these communities for Korellis. Its employees are raising families, volunteering, and helping shape the future in the communities Korellis serves. This connection is what helps Korellis satisfy its mission.

“People may know Korellis for the roofs we install, but the real story of Korellis has always been its people. Roofers, sheet metal workers, carpenters, masons, service professionals, yard and logistics employees, project teams, administrative staff all bring different skills to Korellis, but they share a willingness to step in when someone needs help,” Gellert said. “We are proud of the work we perform, but we are equally proud of the heart our employees bring beyond the jobsite.”

For more information on Korellis, you can visit korellis.com.