Corporate philosophy aids seniors
By Jenna Buehler Comet writer-intern

An act of kindness relieved Carroll County's Senior and Family Services of a critical financial need. The agency was denied a request of $10,000 by the county council this year due to budget constraint. The agency was likely to close one of its centers as a result of lost funding. Indiana Packers Corporation (IPC) donated the $10,000 to the agency, for three years.

Executive director Jeff Sieber explained he approached the county commis- sioners for sugges- tions, in search of immediate financial assistance. In response, commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson consulted IPC about a corporate contribution.

"That's when they generously gave us the money," said Sieber. "We're more than happy that IPC covered a portion of our big financial loss. They sent the $10,000 for this year imm ediately, when we needed it immediately."

IPC assistant to the president Janet Smith, coordinated the donation. She explained the corporation's community values were central in the decision to donate.

"Our corporation philosophy centers on being a good neighbor," Smith said. "Given the apparent financial strain, we were more than willing to help. We wanted to assist a service that was most vulnerable. Senior and Family Services is an invaluable service. It was a good fit."

"We realized that it would take time for the county to recoup," concluded Smith. "One year's donation was not going to sufficiently benefit this particular service. We realize that there is no quick solution, and hopefully we've helped them as they try and work though this."