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What truly makes these efforts stand out are the individuals behind them. Ford employees, many of whom were already collecting unemployment benefits, chose to go beyond their usual roles to help. For instance, workers involved in assembling batteries for electric vehicles or manufacturing engine parts volunteered to pivot toward producing medical equipment.
Their motivations ranged from personal connections—such as having a family member in healthcare—to a sense of duty and legacy. One worker expressed a desire to protect loved ones and serve the community, while others felt inspired by their predecessors’ contributions during wartime.