General Electric's commitment to community service reaches out to the Backpack Buddies, a program that provides food for Douglas County students without adequate food over the weekend.
"GE Energy is a company that maintains a tradition of solving some of the world's toughest problems," said Jeff Schnitzer of GE, "and they have brought that commitment to the Backpack Buddies program in Douglas County."
During the month of May, GE employees held a food drive, bagged the food for backpacks, and during their lunchtime, delivered the food bags to two Carson Valley elementary schools, Gardnerville and Meneley. They will repeat the project in August.
"Being involved and giving back to the community is part of the GE DNA," said Schnitzer. "We are grateful to this community for what they have given to our business and employees, and this is one small way of saying thank you."
"The Backpack Buddies Consortium applauds GE and other community businesses for their assistance with helping feed children in need," said Lin Larson of the consortium.
Three community banks, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Bank of America, and Nevada State Bank began collecting food at their banks this week for the Backpack Buddies Consortium.
The Douglas County Democrat Women's Group and the Central Committee consistently donate food or monetary means; Starbucks has contributed; Horizon at Stateline and Carson City Nugget have contributed hygiene products for our hygiene packets as have several local dentists; Corpus Christi Church consistently contributes food; Carson Valley Country Club both collects food and offers "to go" boxes for a 25 cent contribution to the program; and Walgreens' employees not only contribute, but had a special children's event recently to benefit the program.
"The program could not exist without the community's support," said Larson.
For more information on how individuals and businesses can help the Backpack Buddies Consortium, contact Lin Larson, 267-6737 or Nancy Stiles, 783-0562.
