Restek gives in response to Hurricanes Florence and Michael

BELLEFONTE — Restek, its employee-owners, and its customers teamed up to give more than $5,000 this November in support of the Red Cross hurricane disaster relief efforts — particularly in areas affected by hurricanes Florence and Michael, which ravaged the southeastern United States. Both monetary and blood donations provided support to those in need, according to a press release.

“We are so very grateful to Restek for its generous support of our Hurricane Relief effort,” said Hope Roaten, American Red Cross Mid-Central Pennsylvania Chapter executive director. “Without the support of our corporate community, we would not be able to provide shelter, food, and other basic supplies and services to the people who were impacted by major disaster situations, such as hurricanes Florence and Michael. We are proud to have such a strong community partner in Restek.”

Bryan Wolcott, Restek President and Head Coach, thanked customers and coworkers for their kindness and charity.

“Hurricanes Florence and Michael were two of the most intense hurricanes to make landfall in the country’s history, and many of our employees’ and customers’ friends and family were affected by these violent storms. We’re proud to pull together to make this donation to the Red Cross on behalf of the entire Restek community,” he said. “Special thanks to our customers for their generosity and caring.”

For several weeks this fall, customers could pay it forward by converting their Wizard Dollar frequent buyer incentives to cash donations for those in need. Restek employees also offered their own Wizard Dollars, and the company matched every dollar contributed.

Similar collection drives were implemented in recent years in response to other natural disasters. Many of the programs are set into motion by Restek employee-owners who have talked to customers or family members in the areas and know how much help is needed.

Restek is well-known for empowering its employees to come up with ideas to support the local communities in which they operate.

In addition to the monetary donation, employee-owners stepped up to fight the severe blood shortage through another successful blood drive on Nov. 13. According to the Red Cross, fewer blood drives hosted in September and October, coupled with the widespread cancellation of scheduled drives as a result of hurricanes Michael and Florence, have led to the current blood shortage. Restek’s drive collected 33 units—saving an estimated 99 lives! This is the continuation of a long history of blood drives at Restek—bimonthly for the last 16 years—making them Centre County’s leading business blood drive sponsor.