Leadington employees 'pay it forward'

By CHRIS CLINE
Daily Journal Staff Writer

LEADINGTON — Each year City of Leadington employees have a Christmas breakfast at which they exchange gifts with each other. However, this year was different. The employees decided, because of the state of the economy and the amount of people who are losing their jobs, to “pay it forward.” The employees took the money that they would normally spend on gifts and bought groceries to be donated to the local food pantries.

The police department suggested they try to fill up a squad car full of groceries. In addition to the employee donations, the city also put out donation boxes throughout Leadington. Many area residents and businesses responded to the call with donations of food items or money.

With the money employees were able to purchase 25 turkeys, 25 hams, flour, sugar, milk and staples.

“This is really heartwarming,” said Leadington Mayor Larry Kennon. “I can’t tell you how proud we are of our employees for taking this on. I think it will go a long way toward helping a lot of families.”

The city started collecting groceries on Dec. 17. On Monday the police department delivered two police cars full of groceries and the back of a pickup truck full of hams and turkeys to the local food pantries.

Those that made donations include The Bridge Community Church, Goodson Realty, Ms B’s Gas Station and its employees, Leadington Judge Scott Reid, Larry Kennon, Leadington Board of Aldermen, Parkland Motors, Mr. Ellis, Ed and Jo Rawlins, the Mineral Area College basketball team, Leadington Kentucky Fried Chicken, Skip Eggers Hauling, Leadington employees, the Cashion-Ramsey family and Andrew Henson’s Central art class.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.

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