Children "Adopted" in Angel Tree Program

 By Nichole Gouldie, Communications Specialist

Christmas for more than 200 families was a little merrier thanks to the generous donations to the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program.

It was the second year for the program at MKC, where employees adopted a child - buying them items for the holidays.

"The MKC Angel Tree Program was very successful again this year," said Matt Henderson, Longford location manager. "MKC employees helped to brighten the Christmas of around 200 children."



A group of employees load the gifts
collected in Moundridge.

In addition to employees personally donating items to the program, the Abilene location volunteered to run the Dickinson County Angel Tree program.

"Without their help this program would not have happened," Henderson said.  The Abilene location helped 150 children this year.

Henderson added the families that have received gifts through the MKC Angel Tree have expressed their thanks in many ways and their tears of joy at the sight of the presents they receive is priceless. "It makes me proud to be a part of a company that is so willing to give so much back to their communities," he said. 

Dominique Hill and Brent Floerke load
the gifts collected in Benton.

Brightening the holidays for those less fortunate

MKC employees, Shannon Hastings and Erin Riley wrap a
number of presents donated by employees for the
Angel Tree program.

MKC employees are giving back this holiday season by purchasing gifts for those who are less fortunate and donat-ing them to Angel Tree programs throughout MKC's territory.

 

MKC’s Community Involvement Committee coordinated the company’s participation in the program.  According to committee member, Matt Henderson, MKC committed to providing 119 gifts. While many Angel Tree programs often provide for toys and clothing for children, MKC employees chose to provide clothing as gifts.

 

"We know there are families struggling to provide gifts for their children," stated Henderson.  "We just wanted to make sure their Christmas was a little bit brighter."

 

Another employee who's making a difference

As previously reported, several of the employees at MKC take great pride in donating their time and talents to their communities.  Matt Henderson, Location Manager, in Longford, Kansas volunteers as a little league wrestling and baseball coach for youth and teens ages 6 to 18 years.  He has been coaching for the past six years.

"I volunteer not only because I enjoy spending time with the kids and helping them learn a new sport, but also because I think sports can help kids develop skills they will need as adults.  Dealing with adversity and achieving goals are some of those skills."  - Matt Henderson