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GM Helps Salvation Army Make Christmas Merrier
LORDSTOWN, Ohio -- After several weeks of dropping off toys in their shop cafeteria, workers at the General Motors Lordstown Complex paint shop, both union and salaried, Tuesday saw those many toys sent to the Salvation Army warehouse in Youngstown.
Several bikes, basketballs, Barbie dolls, Lego sets and remote control cars, along with dozens of wrapped presents, were loaded into a truck by paint shop workers around 1 p.m.
The workers in the shop also raised $6,150 for the Salvation Army. The money, directed to the general fund of the Salvation Army, will be used throughout the year to provide those in need with food, crisis services and social services.
“Every day I would come in to work and see the piles of toys arrive and the smiles on people's faces,” said Chris Aybad, paint shop manager. “To see that blessing, not only from the gifts, but from feeling good about what you're doing, it's a great experience.”
This is the first year he's been at the plant, he added, and to see how much the workers provided was impressive.
“It's a way for us to pay it forward. We're all very blessed to work with General Motors. And what better way [is there] to provide opportunities for those that are less fortunate during the holiday season?” he asked.
The Angel Tree, as it's called at the plant, was started 12 years ago when the paint shop was under construction. The first time the campaign for donations was held, it was set up in one of the tents and plant workers and contractors alike contributed.
“Every year, the outpouring of support seems to increase,” said Salvation Army Major Valerie Kahn. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity that GM and the UAW [United Auto Workers union] bring to ensure that no child goes without a toy on Christmas.”
Once all donations are collected, she continued, the warehouse will be set up like a toy store where parents can select gifts for their children. The first of the parents registered will visit next week, Kahn said.
“It's incredible to see the excitement on the faces of children who otherwise wouldn't have a toy under the tree this Christmas. The parents are also excited because they may have to decide between rent, putting food on the table and toys,” said Elijah Kahn, another major in the Salvation Army. “Through this generosity, we can provide basic needs so they can use their money for other things to support [their] family.”
Being able to work with those who registered “has been nothing but gratifying,” Valerie Kahn said, adding that she works with families throughout the process.
“It's a very emotional thing for those that come in. They're very grateful, very thankful. We are able to serve families with dignity and integrity because they come to us for support and they get to make the choice [about what to get their kids],” she said.
Steve Notar Donato, GM Lordstown plant manager, said the toy campaign “is just another way the plant gives back to the community.”
“Whether it's their time or their money, there are a lot of people volunteering to help others in the community,” Notar Donato said. “We want to say 'Thank you' [to the community].”
Pictured: Toys collected by workers at the General Motors Lordstown Complex.
Copyright 2014 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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