MANSFIELD, Ohio — Community members filled STARTEK’s parking lot, waiting for their chance to receive a free lunch and free school supplies for their children.
Families gathered as early as noon to form a line outside STARTEK’s back doors. By 2 p.m., the parking lot overflowed and a line formed that extended to West Fourth Street.
“We bought 200 hotdogs. We’re definitely going to run out,” said Community Matters Board President Jeannine Lemus.
Lemus said the employees at STARTEK were enthused about holding a community event at which they handed out free school supplies, provided free haircuts, free face painting and a hotdog lunch.
Hundreds of community members later, they realized the significance of such a feat.
“I have the kids with me today because mom and dad are out working. This really is a blessing,” said Yvette Cansler, grandmother to four children. “Their parents don’t always have all the money to get everything they (the children) need.”
Cansler’s grandchildren were some of the first to receive backpacks, which went quickly.
“I wish we could give them all one but we have a limited supply,” said Lemus. When the backpack supply ran out, the school supplies were bunched into plastic shopping bags. And everything — the backpacks, pencils, folders and notebooks — was donated by STARTEK employees.
But they did not stop there.
Hotdogs, drinks, chips, plates, napkins and condiments. Haircuts, face paint and a photo booth with props — they were all donated by STARTEK employees too.
“We probably spent about three to four thousand dollars for this, easily,” said Lemus.
Why go to such great lengths?
According to Lemus, STARTEK has recently made a shift in the company’s culture — one that gives back to its community. The company formed a Community Matters Board that meets monthly to plan events like this one and find charities and fundraisers in the community to support.
“We see a heartfelt need for our community here,” explained Lemus. So when an employee suggested they give away school supplies to families in need, other employees agreed. “And it grew from there,” she added.
STARTEK Agent and self-proclaimed grill master Tommy Kiah spent his Sunday afternoon grilling hotdogs for the event.
“I thought this was such a good idea that I made sure I was part of it. God’s blessed me with a way to provide for my family, so I want to give back. The next mayor or the next president could be out there,” said Kiah as he pointed his tongs out to the line of people. “This is important stuff.”
For more information on STARTEK, or to apply for one of the company’s 150 current job openings, visit their website or call 419-528-7800.
“We see a heartfelt need for our community here,” explained Jeannine Lemus.
