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Employees of LaClede Chain Manufacturing in Maryville are doing what they can this holiday season to put smiles on the faces of children living in Kosovo.
Brian Roderick, a member of Alpha Battery, in the 129th Field Artillery of the Missouri National Guard, has been stationed in Kosovo since June.
When Roderick is not working full time in the service of our country, he is a full time employee of LaClede Chain. Broderick recently was home on leave for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Chuck Wray, human resources manager, said LaClede employees often ask Broderick what he needs in Kosovo.
"He has always told us he doesn't need anything," Wray said. "But he reminds us that the children over there don't have enough school supplies or sports equipment, so we decided to do what we could to help out."
During the month of November LaClede Chain employees came to work with bags filled with new school supplies –– anything from pens and pencils to crayons and calculators –– and new and used sports supplies –– soccer balls, baseballs, basketballs, softballs, footballs and, of course, bats. LaClede's St. Louis office even pitched in with the project –– sending several cases of softballs to be added to the barrels.
"The employees donated generously," Wray said. "They were excited to help Brian and the children of Kosovo. The whole thing came about from Brian's asking for help for children who have nothing."
Roderick said the soldiers stationed in Kosovo have daily interaction with the children there.
"When we go out on patrol, the children surround our Humvees," he said. "We try to sponsor the children over there as much as we can. They can't afford the things they need."
Broderick said LaClede has done an outstanding job of collecting items for the children.
"What LaClede has done is way beyond my expectations," he said. "The soldiers over in Kosovo want to help the country out as much as possible. The little kids need it the most. The kids will go ecstatic when they see all the things being sent to them. They'll love just knowing the people over here care enough to help them out –– to give them the things they need and want."
Broderick said the U.S. troops stationed in Kosovo are there to provide a safe and secure environment as well as freedom of movement.
"We are there to make sure people can move from town to town without groups restricting their movement."
Broderick said if anyone would like to make donations to support the troops or citizens of Kosovo, they can go online to supportourtroops.com or uso.com to find out what they can do.
"Anything people can do to support the troops is appreciated," he said.
Employees of LaClede Chain Manufacturing in Maryville are doing what they can this holiday season to put smiles on the faces of children living in Kosovo.
Brian Roderick, a member of Alpha Battery, in the 129th Field Artillery of the Missouri National Guard, has been stationed in Kosovo since June.
When Roderick is not working full time in the service of our country, he is a full time employee of LaClede Chain. Broderick recently was home on leave for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Chuck Wray, human resources manager, said LaClede employees often ask Broderick what he needs in Kosovo.
"He has always told us he doesn't need anything," Wray said. "But he reminds us that the children over there don't have enough school supplies or sports equipment, so we decided to do what we could to help out."
During the month of November LaClede Chain employees came to work with bags filled with new school supplies –– anything from pens and pencils to crayons and calculators –– and new and used sports supplies –– soccer balls, baseballs, basketballs, softballs, footballs and, of course, bats. LaClede's St. Louis office even pitched in with the project –– sending several cases of softballs to be added to the barrels.
"The employees donated generously," Wray said. "They were excited to help Brian and the children of Kosovo. The whole thing came about from Brian's asking for help for children who have nothing."
Roderick said the soldiers stationed in Kosovo have daily interaction with the children there.
"When we go out on patrol, the children surround our Humvees," he said. "We try to sponsor the children over there as much as we can. They can't afford the things they need."
Broderick said LaClede has done an outstanding job of collecting items for the children.
"What LaClede has done is way beyond my expectations," he said. "The soldiers over in Kosovo want to help the country out as much as possible. The little kids need it the most. The kids will go ecstatic when they see all the things being sent to them. They'll love just knowing the people over here care enough to help them out –– to give them the things they need and want."
Broderick said the U.S. troops stationed in Kosovo are there to provide a safe and secure environment as well as freedom of movement.
"We are there to make sure people can move from town to town without groups restricting their movement."
Broderick said if anyone would like to make donations to support the troops or citizens of Kosovo, they can go online to supportourtroops.com or uso.com to find out what they can do.
"Anything people can do to support the troops is appreciated," he said.
