Rod Sniadecki, South Bend Civic Leader, Developed Amazon's Community Donations Program

South Bend Civic Leader Rod Sniadecki Leads Amazing Amazon Donation Program

SOUTH BEND — For three years, South Bend's community churches, Unity Gardens, veterans organizations, La Casa de Amistad, pet refuges, and other local agencies and charities that serve the underprivileged in South Bend have benefited from Rod Sniadecki’s personal initiative as an executive at the Amazon fulfillment center located by the South Bend Airport.

Do you ever wonder what happens to returned or damaged items at Amazon?

They once were tossed in the trash, ending up in landfills if the manufacturer chooses not to accept or pay for the returns.

But now, thanks to Rod Sniadecki of South Bend, local charities are able to help those in need often get over-the-counter medications, clothing, shoes, toiletries, food staples, laundry detergents and a variety of products that people otherwise couldn’t afford.

None of the items donated under the Amazon-approved program can be sold or resold for profit; therefore, they are offered free to those in need via many Black ministries and many charities. The program has grown and has now been duplicated elsewhere.

All because of one civic-minded Hoosier, Rod Sniadecki, a former South Bend City Council member, and local Amazon manager.

Other Amazon fulfillment sites have been inspired to start similar programs since Sniadecki started this amazing Amazon donation program in South Bend.

The extent of the success and impact locally — the sheer magnitude of hundreds to thousands of pounds each week — has proved undeniable benefits to his home community of South Bend.

Hunger relief had been provided in the past, but many of the Amazon products had not previously been provided free of charge based on need. Those charitable organizations never had access before to such goods or merchandise until Rod Sniadecki started the donation program.

There are Facebook pages touting the success of the program and offering donations of the donated merchandise, such as the Doulos Chapel page.

One local Pastor received an NAACP Obama Award and helps distribute the donated goods, and HE hopes to interview that minister about his church’s efforts, the Amazon/Sniadecki ministry, and his award in the future. At this time, his recent recognition is not just because of the Amazon donation distribution, but he has helped Rod Sniadecki in getting many products to many families and to the people who will use them and are in need of the basics Amazon has donated.

Rod Sniadecki is a local South Bend hero, and HE wants to recognize him for his innovation in making Amazon a valued member of the community, helping those in need where possible. Charity begins at home, and Rod Sniadecki clearly loves his home and his neighbors.

Unselfishly, Rod Sniadecki gives credit to Amazon for taking an interest in South Bend’s neediest, those living on the fringe, and offering to assist them through him by adopting his donation proposal three years ago.