JR Automation donates $165K to five Ottawa County organizations
The total includes a corporate match from the Holland-based company, a major global systems integrator that specializes in custom automated manufacturing and robotic technology.
HOLLAND — Employees at JR Automation raised more than $165,000 for charity in 2025, the company announced Monday, Feb. 16.
The total includes a corporate match from the Holland-based company, a major global systems integrator that specializes in custom automated manufacturing and robotic technology.
The money was raised through the JR Community Care Fund, an employee-led program that supports nonprofits in the communities where staff live and work.
In Ottawa County, the donations will benefit several local organizations, including Kids’ Food Basket, Hospice of Holland and the Outdoor Discovery Center.
Ashley Van Zee, philanthropy director of the Discovery Center, said the donations will help “support our work advancing outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan.”
Van Zee said the donations will help them care for natural spaces and provide “hands-on learning experiences for children, families, and community members throughout the region.”
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ODC Network is the parent nonprofit organization that manages 14 mission-driven divisions, including the Outdoor Discovery Center.
“We are grateful for the support of JR Community Cares and the JR Automation team. Being chosen is incredibly meaningful because it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our community and investing in experiences that connect people to the outdoors,” Van Zee said.
“Partnerships like this make it possible for us to continue removing barriers to nature and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Decades of donated resources
The JR Community Cares fund started in 1997 to help coworkers facing hard times. It has since grown into a large-scale effort where employees organize fundraisers like chili cook-offs, golf outings and a popular car show.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity, compassion, and community-minded spirit that defines our team,” the company said in a statement.
Unlike many corporate giving programs, JR Automation employees choose which charities receive the money. This year’s recipients in the Holland area include:
- Kids’ Food Basket (Holland): Providing meals to children.
- Hand 2 Hand: Providing food to students over the weekends.
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan: Supporting children who are victims of abuse.
- Hospice of Holland: Offering end-of-life care and grief support.
- Outdoor Discovery Center: Focusing on nature and education.
Here is a full list of recipients.
Other local groups receiving support include the Alexa Lindsey Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation.
JR Automation, which is part of the Hitachi Group, has about 2,000 employees and 21 facilities worldwide. The company remains a major employer in West Michigan, where much of the fundraising is focused.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
