Although the new Wegmans at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre won't open until the end of October, the store's employees are already getting involved in the community.

Eight Wegmans employees volunteered their time last week with the Providence Center, a Glen Burnie-based nonprofit organization that serves adults with developmental disabilities. The center operates five facilities that provide care and training in programs such as horticulture, woodshop and pottery.

The Wegmans employees helped maked pottery on Thursday at the center's pottery studio in Arnold. Wegmans store manager Gerry Troisi said that volunteering with the center and helping at the studio is part of the company's mission. 

“Wegmans has five values and the one that best applies here is for us to make a difference in every community we serve," he said.

According to a press release from the Providence Center, Wegmans will be providing dedicated space for the center's pottery in its new store.

“It is so great to see the enormous pride in the products," Troisi said. "We are just very impressed.”

Tom Wright, Providence Center director of production, welcomed the Wegmans volunteers and formally announced the partnership between the store and the center.

“We are thrilled that Wegmans will be selling our pottery to their customers and highlighting the important work we do and the achievements of our participants," Wright said in a press release. "This new partnership is an important piece for Providence Center to meet our mission and provide the best care and support to those we serve.”

The store has reportedly hired two Providence Center clients enrolled in the supported employment program.

Shayla Harding, human resources manager of Wegmans of Maryland, found the pottery-making experience gratifying.

“Everyone is very knowledgeable about the process,” Harding said.

For more information, see the Providence Center's website.

See more:

• Pottery with a Conscience
• What's New at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre?
• PHOTOS: Wegmans Set to Open Oct. 28