Food insecurity is top of mind when shipbuilders ask about ways to support the community. In partnership with Backpack Buddies, our shipbuilders packed 1,000 bags of food to assist students to start the school year.
“I was a single parent, so I understand how this time of year can be challenging,” said Angel Chatman, quality analyst. “Anytime I can give back and return the blessings that were given to me feels great.”
This was the first time our shipbuilders had the opportunity to actually pack the food that would be delivered to different schools in the community. Volunteers unboxed packages, packed food and wrote notes to the Backpack Buddy organizers as a token of appreciation.
“I enjoyed this event because it allowed me to bring first time volunteers from the shipyard to participate,” said Angel Martinez, structural welder. “It was fun, meaningful and encouraging to see other shipbuilders want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
“Education is important, so being able to eliminate barriers so students can focus on school means a lot to me. This event was a reminder that it’s always feels better to give, rather than receive.” Derek Brown, Laborer
Watch the WLOX story of this amazing event here: Ingalls Shipbuilding employees pack more than 1,000 food bags for Jackson County students