Posted: 12/12/07
Miken employees
donate to Care and Share program
By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor
ėTis better to give than receive. The employees of Miken Sports in Caledonia, when presented the opportunity, displayed just how much class and character they possess both individually and as a group when they brought this most basic element of human kindness and extended it outward. And in a big way.
The 115 employees of the company donated $1,610 to the Care and Share program of Houston County. The company would match the amount for a total donation of $3,220.
"It is wonderful," said Bonnie Goetzinger of the generous donation.
She is President of the Houston County Care and Share.
"The money was generated by our own employees," said Miken Sports General Manager Jim Hoscheit. "Their response was phenomenal."
About Care and Share
The Care and Share Christmas project was founded in 1987 in Houston County.
"The Christmas project is our main concern," said Goetzinger. "We feel that every child is entitled to a nice holiday season."
In 2006, the group was able to help 307 households (831 individuals) have a better holiday.
"Of that total, 465 were children and 97 were elderly or disabled individuals," said Goetzinger.
This year the Care and Share program is also giving away a $20 gas card, something they hadn't done in the past.
"What we do is make sure that every child has a gift," stated Goetzinger. "This might include an item for play, clothing, or a gift certificate that a parent can use to purchase a gift."
The gift is then given to the parent so that parent can know what the child is getting.
"They can decide if they'd like to buy something to compliment it," said Goetzinger.
Food certificates to local grocery stores are also given. The packages can then be picked up at drop off sites in La Crescent, Houston, Spring Grove and Caledonia.
Dependent on donations
"Our organization is totally dependent upon donations from the communities in Houston County, therefore, we appreciate any support we receive," said Goetzinger. "Donations like this one make all the difference."
Area churches play a key role in the identification of those families who are in need of a service like this one.
"The churches really help with the registration of families," said Goetzinger.
For its part, Miken also donated several pounds of non-perishable food items to the Semcac Food Shelf.
"The company bought various prizes, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, digital camera, things like that," said Hoscheit. "The employee would put their donations in the box for the prize they want. Our employees really came through."
In all, 135 pounds of food were donated to the food shelf along with the over $3,000 to Care and Share by Miken and their employees.
So the next time you're swinging for the fences in your church softball league, that Miken bat tight in your grip, remember it was made by a person and a company with a big heart.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com