Donation made to Little Brothers
By JANE NORDBERG, DMG Writer
POSTED: May 16, 2008
HOUGHTON — Employees of the Shopko in Houghton can feel pretty good about community giving.
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly in Hancock is the most recent recipient of a $1,000 Community Service Grant through the Shopko Foundation.
Employees of Shopko for at least six months who have volunteered their time with a non-profit organization for at least a year can nominate the organization for a grant.
The Houghton Shopko, one of 132 retail stores in the Green Bay, Wis.-based corporation, has done its share. Recent past recipients include the Calumet Theatre and the Copper Country Adoption Resource Group in Houghton.
“It’s a pretty good percentage,” said Store Manager Marge Crep before presenting the donation to Little Brothers Upper Peninsula Executive Director Mike Aten on Wednesday.
“It really goes to show how much our teammates are involved in their community,” Crep said. “We’re very proud of them.”
Nominating LBFE was Duane Fenske, Shopko optical manager, who has volunteered his time with the organization for the last three years. A woodworker, Fenske also provides the kayaks the organization raffles off every year as a fundraiser.
“I like spending time with older people and I like woodworking, so it’s a pretty natural fit,” Fenske said. “They’re a very worthwhile organization.”
Accepting the donation, Aten said he was doubly appreciative. “First, the time that Duane gives us is invaluable to our clients,” he said. “In our mission of providing the gift of friendship, our volunteers who provide companionship are very important.”
Secondly, he said, he was very grateful for the monetary support of the Shopko Foundation, which would be used to support the organization’s medical transportation program.
“Thank you both for your donation of time and funding,” he said.
For more information on Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Upper Peninsula Michigan Chapter, go to www.houghton.littlebrothers.org
Jane Nordberg can be reached at jnordberg@mininggazette.com
