Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen – Mehoopany, PA Facility
The QPI Mehoopany site donated gift bags of food to the Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen on November 18th. This soup kitchen is located in downtown Tunkhannock, PA, opening its doors to those in need in September, 2007. The Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen’s mission is to enhance the health and quality of life of the unfortunate and elderly in the community. Since opening, the soup kitchen has served over 110,000 hot, nutritious meals (at least one meat, a starch, two vegetables, soup, salad, fruit, dessert and beverage are offered each day, along with other side dishes as available) for all in need. The meals are provided five days per week at no cost. The soup kitchen is operated largely by volunteers, with total volunteer hours presently averaging over 160 hours per week. When Tammy McMicken (Site Human Resources) delivered the donated items to the soup kitchen, the kitchen leaders expressed deep appreciation not only for the gifts of food, but also for the fact that both the QPI Corporate organization and the local QPI Associates were involved in giving back to the community at this busy time of year, asking that we keep them in mind in years to come. We are pleased to be able to partner with this organization, and their motto says it all, “Anyone who comes to our door is welcome – without question or qualification.”
Veterans Awareness – Mehoopany, PA Facility
In honor of Veteran’s Day, the QPI Mehoopany site recognized five veterans for their sacrifice and service to their country. Although most refrained from any significant public recognition, they did agree to allow their names be listed on the site’s internal Communication TV, and QPI gifted each one of them “Vending Bucks” to use towards snacks and drinks from our vending machines. Thank you, Veterans!
Hope House Staff Facility Tour – Mason, Ohio Facility
In October 2016, Cincinnati’s City Gospel’s Executive Director of Operations , Tim Williams, and Hope House Director, Mitchel Foster, Ph.D., visited the QPI Mason, OH facility. The guests were hosted by QPI CEO Ed Rosado, who provided a tour of operations. The group then assembled to discuss opportunities where QPI can assist Cincinnati’s homeless community in transitioning into the workforce. The discussion led to the potential opportunity for QPI to participate in the transition path. This planned effort would include QPI Corporate resources and City Gospel collaboratively developing an education program, in conjunction with a mentoring program for individuals to be able to gain skills, and subsequently secure employment at both QPI and the elsewhere in the Cincinnati community.
Angel Tree – Box Elder, UT Facility
The QPI Box Elder, UT site is participating in a holiday event, supporting local Boys and Girls Clubs, called Angel Tree. Last year, the event involved seven families and 21 children, and the same or more are expected this year. The event is started by Angels being placed on the Anget Tree at the site. Each Angel will reflect the age, gender, size, and need (pants, shirts, boots, coats) for a child. The families involved have been vetted and the need is truly real. Employees select an angel and then shop for the items noted on the Angel. The items are then brought back to the Angel Tree, and Michelle Wilson (QPI Box Elder Site Manager) graciously wraps each gift and places the child’s name on each gift. The gifts are then placed in a black bag and “Santa” delivers the gifts to the child and their family, along with a Christmas dinner.
There are three other ways that employees can participate in this wonderful event besides taking an Angel off the Angel Tree. They can also donate monetary gifts that go towards purchases of the children’s gifts by directly giving monetary gifts to Michelle. Employees can also participate in the event by donating a raffle item for the Bingo Night event that raises funds for the children’s gifts, to be given away at the Bingo Night event. And lastly, and the most fun, employees can participate in the Bingo Night event, having a chance to win a prize, but also participating in fundraising for the Angel Tree.
Pay it Forward Foundation – Cincinnati
The QPI Corporate organization participated in the Fifth Annual Pay It Forward Golf Outing in 2016 in Cincinnati. Operating as an annual golf event since 2012, the outing is focused on raising funds to provide Academic Scholarships to single mothers. QPI has been an active participant in the annual outing since 2013. In 2016, QPI not only contributed monetary donations to support the cause, but also contributed funds to sponsor a hole on the course. This year’s event raised funds in total that allowed support for three scholarship recipients. QPI was joined by ten other organizations and businesses in this event who contributed to the Pay It Forward Foundation Golf Outing for 2016. The Pay It Forward Golf Outing organizer, Corey Johnson, noted that “over 120 people came together to celebrate my 5th Annual Paying It Forward Foundation Tournament. I’m humbled by the love and support of all of you and thank God every day for you allowing this opportunity to give back to the community.”
Hope House Winter Donations – Cape Girardeau, MO [Jackson, MO]
The QPI Cape Girardeau, MO site again participated in the holiday charity events for local foster children, coordinated by Hope House, a local non-profit organization. The primary event was the solicitation and collection by QPI employees of a wide array of needed items, including clothes, socks, underwear, travel size toiletries, hair brushes, hair care products, deodorant, tissues, napkins, cleaning supplies, household items, and storage containers. After the collection period was completed, QPI employees packaged the donations and they were delivered to the Hope House for distribution during the holiday season.
QPI employees also collected monetary gifts to support a Christmas party for the foster children. In addition to the Christmas party, the funds collected will provide a dinner, attendance to a local movie theater, capping the evening off with a visit from Santa Claus. We are excited about making a difference for these special children.