Genesis Alkali donates food to local food banks, organizations

Genesis Alkali made a large donation of food and supplies to local food banks and other organizations in Sweetwater County on Monday, July 1.

Food and supplies had been ordered in advance as part of the company's preparations to ensure business continuity in the run up to negotiating a new contract with its labor union, according to a press release.

"Genesis Alkali was pleased it reached agreement Sunday evening with the United Steel Workers Union, Local 13214, on a new five-year contract," the company explained. "To benefit the community, the company made arrangements to quickly donate food, paper plates, cutlery, and personal hygiene items that would no longer be needed, some of which were perishable."

Food and supplies were donated to the Food Bank of Sweetwater County in both Green River and Rock Springs, Golden Hour Senior Center, Young at Heart Senior Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the Victim Advocacy Center, the Rock Springs Soup Kitchen and the Rock Springs Youth Home.

United Rental donated a forklift and pallet jack for the day and saved four to five hours of hand-unloading the five trucks.

The Rock Springs Football team also sent about 20 volunteers to help offload trucks, separate food, reload vehicles and offload at the donation sites. There were another roughly 20 volunteers that assisted with the effort. 

Genesis Alkali received several messages of gratitude after their donations.

"Thank you, Genesis! Golden Hour Senior Center appreciates your generous donation," the senior center said. "Our Home Delivered Meal Program has been struggling and this will be a huge help."

"Wow what a great day," the Boys and Girls Club said. "A big shout and thanks to Genesis for thinking of the community. I know on our end what we received today was spectacular and will be helpful. Thanks to Kathy and the food bank for allowing us to do a total takeover. Thanks to the football players for helping everyone. Without them there it would have taken double the time."

"Thank you Genesis," the Food Bank of Sweetwater County said. "We at the Food Bank are so happy this will help so many! What a great collaboration with Genesis and the agencies!"

"Thank you Genesis, this really helped the soup kitchen," the Rock Springs Soup Kitchen said. "Also thanks to the food bank, the football team and everyone else for making today go so good. It's going to help so many people in the community."

"The Youth Home thanks you do much for your generous donation!" a Youth Home representative said.

"Rock Springs Young at Heart is deeply grateful for the generosity that was shown today," the community center said. "The items we were able to acquire will make a huge impact on our aging community. . . So grateful to be in a community that helps each other out!"