Coca-Cola UNITED: Giving Back to the Community While Investing in Its Associates

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED (Coca-Cola UNITED) is among the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, serving customers across six southeastern states and employing more than 10,000 associates.

After partnering with Coca-Cola UNITED over the past two years to conduct philanthropic team-building events, we’ve been consistently inspired by the company’s culture of loyalty and longevity. In an era defined by job-hopping and high turnover, Coca-Cola UNITED stands out for its decades-long employee relationships — with many associates proudly serving for 30 years or more. Multi-generational employment isn’t just common; it’s a hallmark of their culture, often spanning parents, children, and even grandchildren across departments.

To sustain this deeply rooted culture, Coca-Cola UNITED hosts an annual Leadership Academy to develop the next generation of internal leaders. This program equips emerging talent with the skills and values needed to lead with confidence, purpose, and integrity.

For the past two years, Cheeriodicals has had the honor of partnering with Coca-Cola UNITED’s Leadership Academy to produce community-centered events. Most recently, in August, our team joined 400 Leadership Academy participants in Atlanta to assemble 400 Caregiver Comfort Kits, which were donated to Ronald McDonald Houses across the Southeast.

The Main Event: Packing 400 Bags of Cheer

“Incredible team building that makes a real difference.” That’s how Mike Suco, Coca-Cola UNITED President and CEO, opened Day 3 of the Leadership Academy — setting the tone for a powerful day of purpose-driven engagement.

In front of him sat 400 of Coca-Cola UNITED’s leaders and leaders-in-training, ready to make an impact through community service. Before assembling the kits, participants heard from Tracey Atwater, CEO of Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, who shared how their donations would bring comfort and hope to families during difficult times.

Each Caregiver Comfort Kit included warm blankets, non-slip hospital socks, activity books, and convenience items — along with a handwritten note from a Coca-Cola UNITED associate, offering encouragement and reminding each family that they are cared for.

Throughout the event, the beloved Coca-Cola Polar Bear roamed the room, spreading smiles and capturing memorable photos with participants.

The Delivery: Leaders Inspiring Teams to Give Back

After assembling 400 Caregiver Comfort Kits, the Coca-Cola UNITED team ensured that the spirit of giving continued beyond the event. The kits were shipped to 11 Ronald McDonald House locations across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and Louisiana.

At each location, local Coca-Cola UNITED employees personally delivered the kits, hosted dinners, and shared Coca-Cola products with families and caregivers. This personal touch extended the impact — allowing associates who couldn’t attend the Leadership Academy to connect directly with families and experience the joy of giving firsthand.

Coca-Cola UNITED’s thoughtful approach shows that leadership isn’t only about business outcomes — it’s about community impact. Through this partnership, the company continues to lead by example, inspiring generosity and compassion across its workforce.

The Impact: Leadership That Extends Beyond the Office

Beyond the Leadership Academy, Cheeriodicals has collaborated with Coca-Cola UNITED at various regional meetings and events. Together, we’ve created 1,400 Cheeriodicals gifts for recipients across five states — each representing Coca-Cola UNITED’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and meaningful employee engagement.

Through these experiences, Coca-Cola UNITED continues to prove that investing in people and giving back to the community go hand in hand. We’re proud to partner with a company whose associates lead with purpose, kindness, and a shared vision for stronger communities.