Local 474 (Memphis) Brings Holidays to Students

http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/eastmemphis_appeal/article/0,1426,MCA_15701_3430515,00.html


Sharp and Sharpe edges a natural fit

GOOD NEIGHBORS

By Steve O'Dell,

December 30, 2004

Sharp was the word of the day at Sharpe Elementary School.

The place was filled with Christmas boxes donated by one its adopters, Sharp Manufacturing.

Each year Sharp brings boxes filled with food and toys for the school's needy families, said Sharpe principal Gary Zimmerman. "The teachers identify one child from each classroom who is in need," he added.

Employees from Sharp including David Bennett, Kenny Ingram, Kim Weatherspoon, Stephanie Shaw, Terry Howard and John Tate brought 25 boxes to be distributed before school closed for the holiday break.

"The IBEW (Local 474) really does all the work. The company and the IBEW donate the money," said Bennett.

"The union donates money and the company and the employees. We have boxes out at the plant to donate food and toys," said Ingram, a representative of IBEW Local 474.

"Kenny (Ingram) picked all the turkeys up this morning bright and early," said Bennett.

"It has been 12 years for basket donations," said Shaw.

"I come here every time we come here," said Tate. "I remember delivering TVs here."

Sharp, who has been an adopter for Sharpe Elementary for 20 years, donated graphic organizers to each teacher, said principal Zimmerman.

Sharpe Elementary's other adopters are Bank of Bartlett and Temple of Christ Baptist Church.





















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