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Kevin Fincher gave members of the Greater Ennis United Way Board a tour of Leggett & Platt Inc. to get a behind the scenes look at the hard work that the over 300+ dedicated employees give each day. Employees of Leggett & Platt not only give their talents and dedication to their employer but they are also giving back to the Ennis community. This year Leggett & Platt, Inc. tripled their Greater Ennis United Way giving donation with an over 224% increase.
Melissa Mcaskill, HR Director said they attended the United Way kickoff luncheon and were given a five year look at their company contributions. Mcaskill said their record looked like a roller coaster and it was on a downward slide so they started thinking about what they could do to change their path. As they looked into it they found that most people wanted to give but they also wanted to know that it was going to make a difference and benefit Ennis. After brain storming with management they came up with a plan to offer employees an incentive to help motivate and increase donations. The program was kicked off in two phases. Employees who gave a minimum of $2 per pay period would be allowed to select a Leggett & Platt promotional product like an umbrella, lunch kit, portable phone charger or hat. In addition employees who contributed $2 to $5 per pay period were entered into a raffle for extra vacation days. The more employees that participated the more vacation days were entered into the raffle.
When asked what Greater Ennis United Way means to Leggett & Platt and its employees, Mcaskill said it is about the community and giving back. One employee recently shared with Mcaskill that the reason he gives to Greater Ennis United Way is because he knows that it is there for the people of Ennis and has had firsthand experience of what it meant to Ennis. He shared that he had been in a situation recently that he had to use the Ennis Food Pantry and other friends, neighbors and relatives have had to use other resources that Greater Ennis United Way supports. He shared that while he does not need the help anymore that he may need it in the future and it is good to know that it is there if does.
Next employees looked at other ways they could give back to Ennis. In 2018 they launched their first Recycle Bicycle program. They took in over 24 old donated bicycle and employees of Leggett & Platt worked to refurbish the bikes for kids in our community that could not afford or did not have a bike. Leggett & Platt donated new seats, handle bars, chains, tires, etc and employees donated their talents. In the end they donated 16 completely refurbished bikes to the Boys & Girls Club of Ennis.
Employees of Leggett & Platt also give to back through the Park Play Clean Program (to help clean our parks and public play grounds); Elderly Clean Yard program; Angel Tree for Across and First United Methodist Church; Food Drive; Coat and Blanket Drive; and Community Shred Day.
THANK YOU LEGGETT & PLATT AND YOUR EMPLOYEES FOR HELPING MAKE ENNIS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK!