Aldridge and Triplett, two of more than 150 Tri-State Industries consumers who ran a food drive during the last month, should be proud, employee and workshop specialist Scott Blankenship said.

Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Aldridge and Triplett, two of more than 150 Tri-State Industries consumers who ran a food drive during the last month, should be proud, employee and workshop specialist Scott Blankenship said.

"They raised over 1,300 items, and we took up a collection by the staff and the corporation matched what we brought in," Blankenship said.

The food drive was part of Tri-State’s monthly activities, which are developed and arranged by the organization’s employee council.

The consumers had gathered food since early November, so they could give families a helping hand during the holidays.

"That was one of the goals," Blankenship said.

The council decided to give a little back to the community, and help Tri-State’s consumers learn a little more about living in a true community, he said.

"We have seven different working groups and each group assigned someone responsible for getting the food in," Blankenship said, adding that the group that brought the most cans received a free breakfast.

The food drive also served another purpose.

The activity taught independence and how to interact in society, plus the community got to see more of its productive members, Blankenship said.

"They really love to do anything like that for their community," he said.

Blankenship also hopes more community groups needing volunteers or assistance will see what Tri-State accomplished, then ask the consumers to get involved.

"We’re always looking for a good cause," he added. "The more, the merrier."

Middleton said the students embody the true spirit of Christmas giving – they found a need and helped fulfill it.

Yet, that need exists year-round and the pantries can always use more help, he added.

Anyone who wants to donate to the food pantry, can contact Central Christian Church.