How DARE a national chain store support local community?
By Kevin Schnepp

If one needs evidential proof that the heart of national chain stores is its employees, they need look no further than the Delphi ALCO department store.

The store recently collected more than $300 through its annual cutest baby contest, which was not a national ALCO event. It was inspired and orchestrated by employees of the Delphi store.

"Delphi ALCO came up with the idea and shared it with its national office," stated store manager Ted Hatfield. "They gave us the okay and we've been doing it successfully since then."

Proceeds from the October 2006 contest were donated to the Carroll County Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

D.A.R.E. Officer Steve Mullin explained that the program benefits more than the children to whom it is aimed.

"The program is aimed at introducing fifth-grade students at all county schools to the dangers of drug abuse and violent behavior," explained Mullin. "It helps them become familiar with local officers as well, which can help strengthen the relationship between citizen and officer early on."

Mullin shared his appreciation on behalf of the D.A.R.E. program while accepting the check from Hatfield last Thursday.

"I am very humbled that someone in the community is gracious enough to point money towards the local D.A.R.E. program," said Mullin. "This donation will help us continue to reach out to young adults in the community with our message."

Hatfield echoed Mullin's sentiments with the store's point of view.

"The contest is a lot of fun," he said. "It creates a bit of friendly competition and is a great way for the store to support beneficial local programs such as D.A.R.E."

Each October, ALCO hosts the month-long photo contest during which parents submit pictures of their children to the store. The photo is placed on a separate jar and customers vote by placing a penny in the jar of their choice. The Delphi store chooses a local program or charity to which the proceeds are donated.

Gavin Walters, 15-month old son of David and Patricia Walters of Delphi, was named winner of the 2006 contest. The jubilant father said he was not only pleased with his son winning the contest, but was also happy with the store's idea of annual donations.

"I think this is a great opportunity for ALCO to help the community," commented Walters. "I'm glad we could be part of it somehow to help make it happen."