IMCD US pays tribute to first responders on National Day of Service and Remembrance
IMCD employees deliver more than 700 Care Kits across the United States to show appreciation to first responders in observance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11
“9/11 was truly a tragic day for our country the world will never forget.” – Thomas Van Valkenburgh, Former IMCD US President.
“9/11 was truly a tragic day for our country the world will never forget,” said Thomas Van Valkenburgh, IMCD US President. “As a company, we wanted to be in unison in reflecting on the tragedy and the heroes of the day by redefining its impact through doing good for the men and women who dedicate their lives to serve our communities every day.”
IMCD US employees packed Care Kits and filled them with snacks, gift cards and other items as a gesture to show appreciation to community servers. The collective effort of the employees resulted in the assembly of more than 700 IMCD US Care Kits delivered to first responders across the United States including four cities where the specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution company’s offices are located.
“Our first responders and military give so much to our communities – they run towards the commotion and danger to help those in need, and we are so grateful for all that they do,” said Mary Ellen Johnson, Technical Account Manager, IMCD US Pharmaceuticals. “This initiative makes us think about what our heroes do for us every day.
Many employees also included their families in preparing the Care Kits at home. Some children designed cards and joined in packing the Care Kits.
“It is good to show our children the importance of saying ‘thank you’ to those who help us,” added Mary Ellen.
Dropping off the Care Kits to local fire houses and police stations was also a family affair as some children accompanied their parents – it was well received by the local heroes who expressed appreciation for the gesture.
“It is refreshing to see this side of our job,” said Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez, La Mirada Service Area Sergeant, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “Thank you for doing this.”
“My daughter and I are now planning on doing local volunteering as a way to give back – this has truly inspired us to do more,” concluded Mary Ellen.
No gesture is too small in helping turn tragedy into a day that inspires acts of kindness to remind people of our individual and collective potential to do good for others.