Charlotte, N.C., firefighters, Ronald McDonald and GSF-Lexington associates load a GSF truck with supplies to help NYC residents recover from the recent hurricane.
On November 14, associates from GSF Lexington, led by Alan Howlett, Senior information Services Support Specialist, partnered with members and volunteers of the F. F. Steven Cockley Foundation to transport much-needed supplies to New York in a truck provided by GSF. Those involved gathered at the Palmer Building in Charlotte to gather the donated supplies, such as cleaning supplies and construction items, toiletries and clothing, and load the truck.“We found out about this event on Monday, November 12, and knew we had to do something to help those who lost everything in the storm,” said Howlett. “We offered them something we have plenty of – tractor trailers and a driver – and we quickly started to coordinate with our associates to donate our time and resources for this very important effort.”
(l to r) Jeff Washington and Brian Littell (both drivers) help to unload the truck.
A truck being unloaded in NY
By the close of the event, the tractor trailer had been completely filled with relief supplies, with the help of Ronald McDonald himself.
“This was a great example of GSF teamwork in action,” continued Howlett. “Several folks worked quickly to make this happen, from the warehouse to transportation, customer service, and the guys that showed up and helped load the truck and drive it. It was a great demonstration of teamwork all the way around,” continued Howlett.
In addition to support for Storm Sandy, Golden State Foods has previously donated its time and resources during other crises including Hurricane Katrina, the Tsunami in Japan and the floods in Australia, among others.
Special thanks to all the GSF associates that helped with the relief effort: Jeff Washington, Driver; Brian Littell, Driver; John Means, Driver, who helped with shuttling the truck to Charlotte and back on first day of donations; Kenny DeMeza, Warehouseman, who helped load supplies on the first day of donations and Brett Holland, Chick-fil-A/Starbucks Field Representative, who helped with the coordination and the loading of the truck.
GSF associates and local firefighters pose for a group shot.