The year is coming to a close and the holidays are upon us. For many, it is a time of giving and warmth and bounty in food and gifts. It is also a time when the unmet needs of many in our communities are at the forefront of our thoughts. In reality, people are in need all year long, not just during the holidays.
Like many of you, I reflect on what I have to be thankful for during the holidays. Each year, I am increasingly thankful and proud to work with so many people who are willing to lend a helping hand throughout the year. Our employees in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia have been supporting their communities since we opened our doors in various Pacific Northwest locations by investing in children and helping those in need access food, clothing, and shelter.
The Adopt-A-Family campaign, an effort that is universal around our sawmills, provides local citizens in need with food, clothing, and gifts during the holidays. It has expanded into “Adopt-a-Community” with charitable activities going on year-round at our mills, including shoe donations for homeless students and students in need.
Our two sawmills in British Columbia are also active in projects through the local rotary Club and Food Bank, as well as donating firewood to specific charities that support senior citizens and single parents.
Hampton employees also give their most precious resource – their time. Throughout the year, many of you donate your time to mentor students in your communities and enhance learning opportunities at local schools. In locations like Darrington, employees volunteer to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity. In Randle, our mill donated lumber and a team of employees to build a shed for Recovery Shed Program, which supports the families who lost their homes in the Okanogan Complex Fires.
It’s rewarding to be involved in a company where so many people work together to make things better for those in need. Helping other people is not only fulfilling, it’s the right thing to do.
May your holidays be safe and happy.
Steve Zika
CEO, Hampton Lumber