Employees from the General Electric plant in Plainville rolled up their sleeves April 1 by helping the Plainville Food Pantry fill bags of groceries for 60 needy families in time for the upcoming Easter holidays.

Susie Woerz, executive director of the food pantry, said the GE effort will end up providing holiday bags of food for about half of the 110 families that will receive assistance. Woerz said the help from General Electric “is most appreciated.” Representatives from GE said not only does the company arrange obtaining the grocery items from area stores, but employees also volunteer to help fill the bags, which were due to be delivered Saturday,

More than a dozen GE employees and officials were on hand April 1 to learn about what goes into filling the holiday bags from Diane Nordgren, the food pantry’s warehouse manager. Jaymin Patel, a spokesman for GE, said the holiday project is one of several the local plant and its employees get behind.

Patel said more than 70 employees assisted with the project and were ready to work filling up the holiday bags at the food pantry. Unfortunately, only about 15 employees could ultimately help prepare the bags on April 1.

Paul Foody, general manager of the products line, said he was happy to help people in the community. Foody was working with Kevin Gerardi, EHS leader, and Vince Blea, general manager of production.

Patel said the GE employees enjoy giving back to Plainville. Woerz thanked them for their help, adding the company helps eliminate pressure from food pantry workers and volunteers.
Woerz said holiday meal preparations for the Easter and Passover holidays are the third major holiday effort after Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Luckily, Plainville residents and businesses really step up to the plate,” she said.