Rockwall-based manufacturing companies and their employees recognized for above-and-beyond benevolence

(ROCKWALL, TX – Dec. 14, 2015) The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation is honored to recognize Whitmore Manufacturing and Special Products & Manufacturing for collecting 586 blankets and pillows for The Salvation Army of Hunt County, which also serves Rockwall residents.

“Both Whitmore and SPM have a well-established environment within their organizations that promotes a strong sense of taking care of each other and being there to meet the needs of other employees. To see these two iconic corporations within the Rockwall community reach beyond their own walls to meet the needs of so many is a true testament to the leadership of each business and the culture of caring and compassion they have created and fostered among their employees,” said Sheri Franza, REDC president and CEO.

For years, Whitmore has had an employee-assistance program called Whitmore Cares.  Recently, Jeff Kilpatrick, Whitmore president, challenged the team to extend their works of service into the community. The community service committee at SPM heard about the success of Whitmore Cares and reached out to see how the two companies could combine their efforts to impact the community. Whitmore logistics coordinator Rob Gunnells presented the opportunity for a blanket and pillow drive to support The Salvation Army. In only two weeks, the combined effort of both companies brought in nearly 600 pillows and blankets to keep people warm.

“One of our core company values is to be willing to give a helping hand to our community,” said Nora Harding, SPM director of leadership development. “It was amazing to see how quickly our associates responded to the need of Hunt County Salvation Army. It was our pleasure to work together with Whitmore to make this happen.”

The Salvation Army inTexasserves more than 919,500 people every year through its 84 service centers, serving 9,612 hot meals every day. When citizens drop money into a red kettle or specify their zip code when making online donations, 82 cents of every dollar is spent feeding the hungry, helping underprivileged children, and assisting the disabled and elderly in their community.

Sgt. Wesley Trueblood of the Hunt County Salvation Army said, “This is a perfect example of companies giving back to the community. These companies and their employees have enabled us to provide housing to those in need on nights when the temperatures outside might freeze or otherwise injure them.  On behalf of The Salvation Army, those we help, and those who will need our help in the future, we would like to offer our sincerest thanks.”

Submitted by the Rockwall EDC.

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