Beyond Banking: Building a Lasting Legacy of Volunteerism
PITTSBURGH - For more than 25 years, Joe Trovato has served as a volunteer for The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania. Joe is a Vice President at Citizens Bank and also serves as a Community Captain within Citizens. Joe’s dedication to The Salvation Army, and nonprofits across the area, has created a powerful culture of giving that resonates throughout the region.
“We’re so fortunate for what we do,” Joe shared. “We know there are less fortunate folks out there and we are proud to do whatever we can do to help.”
Joe has taken on a variety of volunteer roles throughout the years serving at local Corps community centers and shopping with beneficiaries and supporting fundraisers for WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up program, which provides NEW winter outerwear to children and older adults. In 2022, when The Salvation Army launched a new Christmas Eve feeding initiative, Joe and his Citizens team answered the call helping pack and deliver more than 1,000 warm meals to isolated seniors across Pittsburgh. It was so successful; The Salvation Army has expanded to serving Thanksgiving meals as well.
“It is so humbling to see these individuals receive these meals,” Joe said. “For some, we are the only folks they were going to see on Thanksgiving.”
In 2024, the group from Citizens came up with a creative way to spread holiday cheer and brought more than 1,000 ornaments, hand-painted and decorated by team members.
“For some of these individuals, their apartments weren’t decorated at all, this was their only decoration,” Joe shared. “When we were leaving one lady came out and said ‘look, I want to show you where I put my ornament’ and she attached it very creatively to her walker.”
With an eye toward the future, Joe's team has already secured ornaments for next year, and his colleagues eagerly anticipate painting. His commitment to year-round giving is evident in his office's 'volunteer closet,' overflowing with toys and supplies for local nonprofits. For Joe, this enduring legacy is a treasure beyond measure.
“I feel humbled, but I also feel proud that my Citizens colleagues are taking advantage of these volunteer opportunities and hopping on the boat, so to speak, to help other colleagues join in,” Joe shared.
At Citizens, giving back has become an integral part of the company’s culture. Joe's heart is warmed by the sight of colleagues, freely dedicating their personal time and involving their families in weekend service projects, demonstrating a genuine belief in the cause.
Joe was recently recognized as a Credo Champion, one of Citizens’ highest honors. Joe says being among the top percentage of colleagues committed to serving customers, colleagues and communities is a profound honor. He says this achievement would not be possible without the unwavering support of his colleagues and fellow volunteers.
There are so many ways to volunteer on an ongoing basis or for one-time events and service projects. Keep an eye out for Joe at upcoming volunteer events, where his festive attire has become a beloved Salvation Army tradition. What started as a friendly joke between him and the event announcer at a pumpkin festival for WTAE-TV’s project Bundle-Up, has turned into a beloved tradition. For two years Joe sported a pumpkin suit then people kept asking him how he would top the ensemble for the next holiday. Joe says he went online and bought a jacket or suit for every major holiday including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter.
Often referred to as “The Army behind The Army,” volunteers play a crucial role in The Salvation Army’s ability to provide quality social services to neighbors in need. Every day, volunteers change lives, uplift families, and support communities in every ZIP code throughout the nation. Discover the joy of giving back in your community and become a Salvation Army volunteer today! Visit salvationarmywpa.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.
