Cargill Spends $10k to Warm Children, Fill Bellies in Fargo

Employees from the agricultural company Cargill stopped by the Fargo Salvation Army recently to drop off $5,000 for the facility’s hot meal program and to donate 50 duffel bags filled with new children’s winter wear. (View photos.)

The winter wear, which equaled $5,000 worth of hats, mittens, boots, snow pants and coats, was given to 50 children served by the Fargo Salvation Army.

Many of the kids showed up with their parents to receive their clothing and enjoy refreshments. That included local resident Tammie Yak and her five young children, all of whom were ecstatic as they tried on their new winter duds.

Yak said she was grateful for the help. Her family had been experiencing tough times, and she didn’t know how she would pay for the winter wear her children so desperately needed.

“I prayed, ‘What are we going to do?’” said Yak, choking back tears. “Knowing that God gave this to us is a big thing.”

 Nine employees from Cargill’s local oilseed plant bought the winter clothing at a local retail store.

“They had a great time (shopping for the clothing),” said plant superintendent Jaysen Schock, who helped lead Cargill’s effort. “Cargill is committed to being involved in the communities we serve – not just financially, but also volunteering. It’s a real pleasure being part of this.”

Schock and his fellow Cargill employees also gave the Fargo Salvation Army a check for $5,000 to help fund the facility’s daily food program, which dishes out about 7,000 hot meals a month to hundreds of people in need.

“We are extremely thankful for the generosity of Cargill,” said Captain Bill Mealy, Fargo Salvation Army administrator. “Through their help we will feed more people and keep more children warm this winter. Their kindness is deeply appreciated.”