Liebert carnival raises money for pantry

Taking a swing at the dunk tank during a company carnival on Thursday, Liebert employees helped support the Harvest for the Hungry Food Pantry. Employees donated a jar of peanut butter or paid to dunk an employee in the tank. Proceeds from the event went to help Harvest for the Hungry purchase peanut butter for the pantry.

“I am so happy that one of the companies in town did something nice for us,” said Diane Porter, director of the food bank. “This is the first company that’s actually offered to do something like this.”

Porter said the pantry hoped to get as many donations for peanut butter as possible at the carnival.

When locals in need of a helping hand come to the pantry for assistance, peanut butter is one of the items that the pantry always gives to them, said Porter.

“It’s one of the most expensive (items),” said Porter. “Peanut butter is one of those protein substitutes.”

John Young, president of Bountiful Harvest Consulting who has been assisting the pantry with fundraising, said the carnival was a way to raise awareness about the pantry.

“I think it’s great,” said Young. “The cash contributions from the employees here came as quite a surprise.”

The company was on-board with the goal of helping the pantry.

“We like getting our employees involved in the community,” said Marty Scott, Liebert human resources supervisor. “It’s always a good feeling to give back.”

“Everybody from time to time has a need or needs a helping hand,” said Scott.

“We live in a poverty area. I’m sure there’s starving kids out there,” said Amy Speaks, production scheduler for Liebert. “I think it’s great that Liebert actually participates in charity.”

Both Young and Porter were pleased with the number of employees who came out to the carnival to support the pantry.

“We think it’s great,” said Young.