The Power of Giving Local: How Businesses Like Component Repair Technologies Strengthen Lake County

When businesses choose to invest in the communities where their employees live, work, and raise their families, the impact extends far beyond a donation. It strengthens neighborhoods, supports local families, and helps create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

For more than two decades, Component Repair Technologies (CRT) has demonstrated what it means to be a true community partner. Through financial contributions, employee workplace giving, volunteerism, and ongoing support of United Way of Lake County's Feed Lake County program, CRT and its employees have contributed more than $1.27 million to United Way of Lake County since 2004. That remarkable total does not include the thousands of dollars' worth of food the company and its employees have donated year after year to help neighbors facing hunger.

Their commitment continued this year in a powerful way.

As part of CRT's annual food drive, employees donated more than three tons of food—enough to provide 5,025 meals to local residents struggling with food insecurity. The donation will help stock shelves at food pantries throughout Lake County through United Way of Lake County's Feed Lake County program.

The need is significant. Nearly one-third of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, and transportation. For many families, a stocked food pantry can mean the difference between stability and crisis.

That is why local business support matters so much.

When companies give locally, they are investing directly in the well-being of their own workforce, customers, and neighbors. The dollars stay here. The meals stay here. The impact stays here.

In addition to this year's food donation, CRT has committed $150,000 over the next three years to support United Way of Lake County's work addressing the community's most pressing challenges. The company's annual $50,000 investment will help strengthen programs and services that improve lives across Lake County.

"CRT is an inspiration when it comes to giving back to the community," said Dione DeMitro, President & CEO of United Way of Lake County. "For decades, the company and its employees have demonstrated a commitment to helping their neighbors through financial support, workplace giving, and initiatives like Feed Lake County. Their generosity has touched countless lives, and their leadership serves as a powerful example of how businesses can make a lasting difference in the communities where they live and work."

For CRT, community investment is not simply a charitable effort—it is part of the company's culture.

"Supporting the communities where our employees live and work has always been a core value at CRT," said Richard Mears, President of CRT. "We believe businesses have a responsibility to give back, and we hope our continued support encourages others to step up and make a difference as well."

That philosophy reflects the power of collective local action. When businesses, employees, nonprofits, and community members work together, they create solutions that no single organization could achieve alone.

As Lake County continues to face challenges related to hunger, financial instability, and access to essential services, local partnerships remain critical. Companies like CRT show that business success and community success go hand in hand.

Their generosity serves as a reminder that when businesses choose to give local, they help build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community for everyone.

This version is more mission-driven and positions CRT as an example of why local corporate philanthropy matters, rather than simply reporting on a donation.