Gates employees donate to food pantry
Gates Manufacturing employees took the opportunity to give back to those in need for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Shelia Lampe, executive director for the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, said after meetings with the human resources department at Gates, the employees expressed they wanted the chance to give back to the community.
She said she has been in contact with the Iola Area Ministerial Association’s food pantry, and there is always a need for more food for hungry families.
“I really encourage people to donate to the food pantry if they can afford it,” Lampe said.
The Gates employees responded in full force. Food donations overflowed a large shopping cart, with more to spare. In addition, an unknown employee donated a $50 check for the purchase of more food.
Lampe said food is always appreciated and she was impressed to see how Gates employees responded to the need. She said she hopes to plan more donation events for Christmas, but she hopes the donated food “will be enough to get through Thanksgiving.”
