| Delta Dental employees recently
collected 22 crates of gifts and non-perishable foods
for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The
collection was initiated by Kathie Stapperfenne, a team
leader in Delta Dental's Customer Service Department and
a member of the Benevolent Protection Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.)
Stirling Lodge 2392. The Elks Lodge is covering the cost
of shipping to Afghanistan. The Summit Area Chapter of
the Red Cross will facilitate delivery of the donations.
"We received a wide variety
of items including cookies, candies, books, pre-recorded
videocassettes, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste,
microwave popcorn, and lip balm," said Stapperfenne.
"Employees also provided handwritten notes of
support and banners for the soldiers. We hope that this
will let our troops know that we're thinking of them and
that we appreciate the sacrifices they are making."
Delta Dental employees also
commemorated the anniversary of September 11. To pay
tribute to those who lost their lives, employees made
donations to the Twin Towers Fund, which was matched
dollar for dollar by Delta Dental. The company also
placed 300 miniature American flags in its reception
area, which were available to employees free of charge.
On the morning of September 11, Michael Colatarci,
Senior Vice President of Finance, shared a few words
with his coworkers, followed by a moment of silence.
"There was a solemn and
reflective tone in the building," said Kathy
Mullen, Director of Human Resources. "However, when
you looked around and saw American flags standing in
each workstation, you got a strong feeling of hope and
pride. It was quite a sight."
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