FEMA Employees Recognized For Spearheading Donation Collection Effort
Release Date: December 10, 2005
Release Number: 1603-211
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Two donations coordinators from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Verdie Culpepper and Debbie Meyers, were recently recognized for their service in the 2005 Thanking the Givers community event sponsored by Kirschman's furniture store.
In September, Culpepper and Meyers helped form a Donations Taskforce including the Louisiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, the State Donations Coordinator, a representative of the Governor's Office, and a FEMA Donations team. This organized taskforce gave them the opportunity to direct unsolicited donations to areas where they were needed most.
"Debbie and I are so excited to be chosen for this award. However, it takes all of us working together to make a difference," said Culpepper, recognizing the importance of partnership in disaster recovery.
This year, Thanking the Givers focused on local groups and volunteers that made a difference in hurricane relief. Groups were presented with a monetary donation to their group or chosen charity, a lunch platter, brownies and tea ready to take back to the office to share, balloons, candy, and gift bags.
"We were so surprised, we had no idea," said Meyers. "It was really nice to be recognized for our work."
The pair decided to allocate their $100 donation to the Adventist Community Services group that manages large warehouse where goods are stored. To date, the warehouse has received 296 truckloads of donated goods and has delivered 39,515 boxes plus 267 pallets of various items to 251 distribution centers and shelters throughout the state.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Dec-2005 10:14:11