AKRON, OHIO (September 29, 2011) — Country Pure Foods, one of the nations top independent juice processors, is once again giving back to the men and women of the armed forces by donating money that was raised through employee contributions.
For the second year in a row, through a $5,000 corporate gift and a voluntary donation drive at the Ellington, CT, Akron, OH and Deland, FL plants, Country Pure Foods generated the sizeable $30,000 contribution to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund in an effort to support those who defend our freedoms daily. Over 200 employees, about 55% of the company’s workforce, contributed to the donation which supports our nation’s military and their families.
Country Pure Foods CEO, Raymond K Lee, presented the contribution to Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund President, David Winters aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on September 26, 2011.
Many of the employees at Country Pure Foods are veterans themselves, and they, along with the other employees that participated, really believe in this cause. “Being a Desert Storm Veteran, this program is outstanding for our returning heroes. It took eight years for the V.A. administration to diagnose me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our current Veterans have access to this program and are being diagnosed and are receiving the help they need upon return,” stated Robert Gheen, a veteran and employee at the Akron facility.
Here are some thoughts from other employees who donated money from their paycheck every week to the Fund:
“I served in the US Marines for 10 years through the first Gulf War in Somalia and other armed conflicts. As a former Force Reconnaissance Marine it makes me proud to be able to continue to support even though I am not an active member of the Armed Forces. At the same time it humbles me to see so many other people who have not served show their support; it’s amazing and I hope that those people know that their support is so appreciated and needed. I was one of the fortunate lucky ones to come back without any physical injuries: mentally… well that could be debated! There are so many others who were not as fortunate and my heart goes out to them. So I do what I can because I know that every little bit helps to make someone else’s day a bit brighter.”–AJ Bogan, Ellington, CT Employee
“As an 18 year service member in the U.S. Air Force, I have been very fortunate not to have been injured in combat. Sadly; however, there have been hundreds of my fellow service members from all branches who have not been as lucky. This program provides a level of care and attention to injured servicemen that is desperately needed, and which cannot be matched by regular hospitals. Our generous donations to this program not only help those families in need, but show them that we care and stand behind them.”— MSgt. Alan Ladd, Deland, FL Employee
About Country Pure Foods
Country Pure Foods makes individually packaged fresh fruit drinks, juices, and nectars. Today, it is one of the nation’s largest independent processors of juice products for grocery and convenience stores, foodservice and contract manufacturing segments. Multiple plant locations allow Country Pure Foods to efficiently service its nationwide customer base with a broad line of product packaging alternatives. Private labeling and contract packaging are also available.
Megan Ridenour
Country Pure Foods
(330) 706-3209
meganr@juice4u.com
Posted on September 29 2011 in News