We’re down to the final three: Chittenango, N.Y., Staunton, Va., and Gainesville, Texas. In September, one of these cities will receive a visit from the Henkel Brand Like a Friend crew, an energetic team of Henkel employees that will visit the winning city with product in hand and sleeves rolled up, ready to help make a change for the better. But first we need your help! Visit www.henkelhelps.com from now through Friday, Aug. 31, and submit your vote for the community you think is most deserving of a helping hand.

“All these cities and stories are worthy of a helping hand. The requests we received from concerned citizens range from planting trees to painting and cleaning a children’s educational center,” said Henkel spokesperson Natalie Violi.

The three cities selected were submitted by residents nationwide looking for a little assistance. They included Danielle S. of Chittenango, who wrote, “I nominate the fire house because these guys put in volunteer hours to help others, but I went in the fire house last week and it wasn't pretty. Sure guys don't need pretty, but a little comfort would be nice, right?”

Voting began on Saturday, Aug. 25 and will end on Friday, Aug. 31, with the winner to be announced on Monday, Sept. 3. The Henkel Brand Like a Friend crew will visit the winning location on Sept. 26, Henkel Friendship Day – the day that the company was founded in 1876.

“Extending our helping hands is just an example of our company claim – to make people’s lives easier, better and more beautiful,” said Violi. “We’ve worked hard during the past several weeks to form a team of employees that best represents our company’s passion for public service. Now, we’re ready to get to work.”

Social Responsibility
The Henkel Smile program reflects Henkel’s commitment to social responsibility.  This program provides financial contributions to organizations in which Henkel employees and retirees volunteer their time. In some cases, Henkel also offers paid time off to employees to support their volunteer efforts. Since 2001, Henkel has set aside one million euros annually for programs that support children and young people. Henkel Smile has supported more than 2,000 volunteer programs to date and has helped over 45,000 children worldwide in 105 countries.