(May 14, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — More than 650 Ford volunteers have fanned out into local communities this weekend for a Ford Accelerated Action Day dedicated to creating a better world.

MODEL Teams of Ford employee and retiree volunteers are on the job in parks, nature preserves and community centers. The Ford volunteers are building rain runoff and collection systems, improving shorelines, planting trees and flowers, and digging vegetable gardens.

"At Ford, we believe that building a strong business works hand-in-hand with creating a better world," said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "Ford volunteers working together, side-by-side with people in the community is an extension of Ford's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility in everything we do."

Ford's commitment to sustainability also includes cutting its global water use, reducing vehicle emissions and improving fuel economy. Ford’s “Reduce, reuse and recycle” program has increased the use of recycled and bio-based materials in its vehicles.

Today's volunteer projects were selected by Ford's nonprofit agency partners. Ford is providing $50,000 in mini-grants to purchase the tools and materials needed to complete the work.

Among the organizations receiving grants are:

City Mission, Detroit — build a rain runoff and capture system to water community gardens

Community Living Centers, Farmington — make a rain collection system & vegetable garden

D-bar-A Scout Ranch, Metamora — construct a human foosball court for campers and families

Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak — create a rain garden & alternative lawn demonstration area

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores — plant trees, clean up shoreline

Environmental Interpretive Center, Dearborn — create mushroom garden and foot trail 

Habitat for Humanity, Detroit — improve landscape at future geothermal project site

Habitat ReStore — Monroe County, Monroe - install energy efficient lights & doors

HAVEN, Pontiac — build a greenhouse to grow vegetables at shelter

International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, Grosse Ile — improve marsh shoreline with native plants

Liberty Hill Housing Corporation, Wayne — landscape & beautify property for disabled

Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor — improve habitats trail within the children's garden

Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Taylor — create border for butterfly garden, plant flowers

Southwest Housing Solutions Corp, Detroit — expand vegetable garden for area homeless

Starfish Family Services, Inkster — build compost stations & plant vegetables and flowers

Veteran's Haven, Wayne — help distribute food to area veterans, seniors & needy families

The Ford Volunteer Corps has joined forces with Ford GreenIT to expand the reach of today's environmental activities. Ford volunteers in southeast Michigan are collecting unused computers and electronic equipment brought in by employees from their basements and attics. This e-Waste will be recycled to keep it out of landfills.