NTN Volunteers Prep 900 Packets for Literacy Fundraiser

When NTN Bearing Corporation of America hit its first anniversary in Schaumburg, Illinois, employees skipped the cake and party favors. Instead, they spent September 10, 2026, assembling 900 race-day packets for the community's biggest literacy fundraiser.

The volunteers prepared for the 22nd annual Run to Read, an event that promotes literacy, health, and fitness while raising funds for students and families in Schaumburg School District 54. Hundreds of runners, walkers, and families depended on their work to make race day run smoothly.

The partnership broke new ground for the D54 Education Foundation, which had always relied on board members and district families for volunteer support. This marked the first time they welcomed corporate volunteers into their operations.

"This volunteer event provided a great opportunity for our team to support an organization that makes a meaningful difference for local students and families," said Tom Mohrdieck, president and CEO of NTN Bearing Corporation of America. He noted the company wanted to give back to a community that had warmly welcomed them.

Mohrdieck emphasized what made the day special. "I am especially proud of this group as they chose to celebrate the milestone of NTN's first year in Schaumburg through service rather than celebration," he said.

The volunteer effort connects to NTN's Community Spirit & Engagement Program, launched in January 2023. The program encourages employees to contribute time and resources to charitable organizations while building partnerships throughout their communities.

The Ripple Effect

The D54 Education Foundation uses events like Run to Read to support students from financially struggling families throughout the school district. By helping with the logistics, NTN volunteers freed up foundation resources to focus on their core mission of promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

The company's choice to mark their anniversary through service sets an example for other businesses settling into new communities. Their employees turned what could have been an internal celebration into tangible support for local students who need it most.

When a company chooses service over celebration, everyone in the community wins.