August 31, 2021

L.-r.: Jamie Barker, supervisor, Stores Services; and Kevin Steele, manager, Stores Services, delivering a box of toys.

FirstEnergy, Penelec and West Penn Power employees provided a variety of assistance for a fundraiser supporting the American Cancer Society of Central Clearfield County and the Madera Volunteer Fire Company. The Walmart Distribution Center in Woodland, Pa., donated six tractor trailer loads of merchandise to be sold at a yard sale held at the Madera Fire Hall that benefitted both organizations.

Jennifer Ireland, distribution associate (Clearfield), and Todd Breeding, general manager, Warehousing & Logistics, were instrumental in making this two-day event a huge success. Jennifer, an avid volunteer for the American Cancer Society, worked with both groups to organize the event, and Todd provided three tractor trailers and a forklift and arranged for several Stores Services employees to help make this event run smoothly.

The Connellsville Southern Distribution Center (SDC) sent volunteer drivers to transport merchandise from the Walmart to the firehall. Other Connellsville employees teamed up with fellow volunteers from our Altoona, Butler, Clarksburg, Clearfield, Johnstown and Weirton facilities to assist with unloading the trailers, unpacking and pricing the merchandise, setting up for the event and assisting during the sale. “When I first heard about this fundraiser, I was trying to determine where we could hire a trucking company to help out with delivery,” said Jennifer. “I mentioned it to Karen Finney [manager, Operations Services] who made a phone call to Todd who was more than happy to help and asked his employees to volunteer. As they say: ‘The rest is history!'”

Jennifer said it was very important for her to support this event.​

“My mother is a two-time cancer survivor, and I have lost family members to that horrible disease – so I know how important it is to have the research to hopefully find a cure,” she said. “The more money we raise, the more people we can help.”

A group of volunteers take time for a photo.

L.-r.: Todd Breeding and Roy Nelson, Connellsville SDC driver, loading up items.

L.-r.: Jennifer Ireland; Debbie Carothers, claim associate III; and Karen Finney unpacking donated clothing.