Manufacturing Holiday Spirit

While giving directly to your favorite charity is something many are passionate about, there’s a practical limit to the social impact we can achieve as an individual. But when hundreds or even thousands of employees coordinate their giving, tremendous and lasting change can occur in the community. Fortunately, the holiday season offers an opportunity for local manufacturers to do just that.
Beginning in November, AGC Automotive Americas got an early start on their holiday giving by collecting and donating frozen turkeys to Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland. These gifts were distributed to local families struggling with hunger, helping them come together and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
Locally, several facilities also participated in WQXE’s Toy Factory drive. Hundreds of toys collected by employees at Akebono, Gates, Dow Chemical, Flint Group, Fischbach USA, Summit Polymers, and more will benefit families receiving support through Helping Hand of Hope’s Affordable Christmas program. Designed to empower low-income parents by facilitating the purchase of Christmas gifts at minimal cost, the program will benefit local children this holiday season.

In addition to community drives, manufacturers such as Mouser Cabinetry are hosting internal events to benefit employees and their families. An annual affair, Mouser Cabinetry’s Breakfast with Santa has grown increasingly popular over the years. The event begins with a catered breakfast followed by a holiday movie, crafts, and a visit with Santa, also known as Hardware Department Supervisor, Mike Rogers. Each child is also presented with a few holiday treats and a gift from Santa.
On a larger scale, many facilities in our community are wrapping up their annual United Way Campaign. With a mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities, United Way of Central Kentucky (UWCK) provides grant funding to 23 local nonprofit organizations. As UWCK’s most charitable workplace partner, Altec and its employees annually contribute more than $200,000 to the organization. Other manufacturers hosting an annual UWCK fundraising campaign include: Metalsa, Akebono, Mouser Cabinetry, Dow Chemical, AGC Automotive Americas, UPS, Fischbach USA, Summit Polymers, Hendrickson, Gates, Modern Plating Coating & Finishes, Karbec, Bluegrass Tank and Equipment, Alabama Wire Products, The News Enterprise, and Phoenix Bearings.
Outside of the holiday season, facilities such as these continue to invest in our community, making philanthropic contributions and volunteering with local nonprofits. At the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation, we’re grateful for the support provided by these manufacturers and thankful for their investment in our region.