More Than 10 StarKist Volunteers Build a Custom Backyard Playset for a 4-Year-Old, Creating a Special Place for Play, Joy and Family Memories
RESTON, Va., Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — StarKist joined forces with Roc Solid Foundation to bring joy and hope to a 4-year-old child undergoing cancer treatment in Falls Church, Virginia. As part of the company’s longstanding commitment to giving back, more than 10 StarKist employees volunteered their time to build a custom backyard playset, creating a special place where the child can play, explore and make lasting memories with family.
“As a company proud to call Northern Virginia home, we believe in showing up for the communities where our employees live and work,” said Michael Merritt Jr., Vice President, Head of Marketing & Innovation at StarKist. “Every child deserves the opportunity to play, laugh and simply enjoy being a kid. Our StarKist team was honored to roll up their sleeves and help create a special place where this child and his family can make lasting memories. We’re proud to partner with Roc Solid Foundation to bring a little joy and hope to families facing extraordinary challenges.”
The volunteer build brought together StarKist employees and Roc Solid Foundation volunteers for a meaningful day of giving back. From assembling the playset to preparing for the special reveal, volunteers worked side by side to create a space where the child could simply enjoy being a kid. StarKist’s beloved mascot, Charlie the Tuna®, also joined the celebration, helping surprise the child and family with their new backyard playset.
For more than 15 years, Roc Solid Foundation has supported children and families facing pediatric cancer through its mission to build hope through the power of play. Its Play It Forward program provides custom backyard playsets for children undergoing cancer treatment, giving them a safe and accessible space to enjoy childhood moments at home. The organization also distributes Ready Bags to families following a cancer diagnosis, providing essential items, comfort and support during an especially difficult time.
“When these kids play, dream and let their imaginations roam wild, cancer can fade into the background for them and their families,” said Eric Newman, Founder and CEO of Roc Solid Foundation. “That’s exactly why Roc Solid is dedicated to the power of play, and it’s the unwavering support and kindness from partners like StarKist that gives us the ability to bring joy and positivity to families’ backyards.”
Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, StarKist has a longstanding commitment to supporting the Northern Virginia community through charitable partnerships and hands-on employee volunteerism. The Falls Church playset build reflects that commitment and the company’s belief in making a meaningful difference beyond the workplace. Through partnerships with organizations like Roc Solid Foundation, StarKist continues to create opportunities for employees to give back while bringing comfort, joy and hope to local families facing extraordinary challenges.
Giving Back Through StarKist Cares
StarKist Cares reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back through charitable initiatives that combat hunger, strengthen communities and support individuals and families in need.
For more than 15 years, StarKist has worked to address food insecurity, donating millions of tuna and chicken products to communities across the country. The company also collaborates with Feed the Children® to provide food and essential resources to families facing hunger and support disaster and emergency relief efforts.
Locally, StarKist partners with Cornerstones to support families in need throughout Northern Virginia. The company also proudly recognizes the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans through its longstanding support of The Chosin Few.
Through its partnership with Roc Solid Foundation, StarKist is further extending its community impact by helping children facing pediatric cancer experience the power of play while offering employees meaningful opportunities to make a difference.
Together, these initiatives reflect StarKist’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities where its employees live and work.
About StarKist Co.
StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient nutritious proteins. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce convenient single-serve pouch products, which include StarKist Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations®, and Chicken Creations® in over 40 varieties. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust, and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist’s charismatic brand icon, Charlie the Tuna®, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd.
About Roc Solid Foundation
Roc Solid Foundation builds hope for kids fighting cancer nationwide through the power of play. The organization distributes hospital Ready Bags to families just after they hear the devastating news that their child has cancer and then provides backyard playsets, so kids have a safe place to play during treatment. Roc Solid currently partners with over 180 children’s hospitals to distribute Ready Bags, and playsets have been provided to thousands of kids fighting cancer in almost every state across the U.S. For more information, visit rocsolidfoundation.org.
Media Contact
Michelle Faist
StarKist Co.
Michelle.Faist@StarKist.com
571-441-8096
Victoria Jordan
Coyne PR
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SOURCE StarKist Co.
