Published: October 03, 2008 10:08 am         

City employees give back

Chelsea L. McGowan

cmcgowan@weatherforddemocrat.com

Employees of the City of Weatherford banded together last Friday to raise money for hurricane relief efforts.

After raising $400 in one day, they have a right to be proud of themselves.

The effort was spurred by an incentive from city management. Any employee who donated at least $5 to the fund would be allowed to wear jeans to work.

City staff responded positively, and $400 in cash was presented to the American Red Cross Tuesday afternoon.

“The city is proud of the fact that our employees took advantage of the voluntary opportunity to donate to an organization as great as the Red Cross,” said Robert Hanna, assistant city manager of infrastructure and development. “I think it’s a great example of the generosity of our city, not just our employees. This community loves to help.”

Teresa Filkins, Parker County branch manager of the American Red Cross, was on hand to accept the gift and express her appreciation.

“We most definitely appreciate the donation,” she said. “It will certainly help in our hurricane relief efforts.”

Filkins explained the work of the Red Cross in hurricane disaster areas and around the world is only possible because of America’s generosity.

“If it wasn’t for the generosity of the American people, the Red Cross couldn’t do what we do,” she said. “That’s not just money, but time as well. We so appreciate all the support.”

The money donated by Weatherford’s city employees will go directly to relief efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Ike, where Filkins said mass feeding and relief efforts are ongoing.

     

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