When Kathy Petyo of Merrillville left a long career at BP Amoco three years ago, she was looking for volunteer opportunities. She found them by joining the Annuitants, a group consisting of BP Amoco retirees like herself. Eight members of that group attended the Day of Caring and Pack a Palooza event Friday at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.
“When I was working, I didn’t have time to volunteer, something I’ve always wanted to do,” Petyo said, as her group waited for direction in regard to the food packages they would be assembling. “This is a great opportunity and I’m glad to be here. I understand the boxes we pack will be going to local food pantries.”
Coordinated by Lake Area United Way, Pack a Palooza began three years ago, according to Angie Williams, director of community services. This year more than 400 employees from 25 area companies enjoyed a kick-off rally and breakfast in the ballroom of the Radisson before their duties for Pack a Palooza began.
“We wanted to help those in need. Thousands of people in Lake County struggle to eat every day,” Williams said of the impetus to put the project on the yearly schedule. “Our first year, we had 150 volunteers and packed 50,000 meals. Last year, 220 volunteers came in and completed 66,000 meals. This year, we have 420 people from 25 different companies putting together 115,000 meals.”
The meals consist of dry ingredients. Last year, a main dish of rice with seasonings was on the menu. This year it’s cheese sauce, soy and pasta.
The volunteers assisted with combining ingredients into individual packages, weighing them, then packing 36 to a box.
A short video was shown before the groups headed to their stations. Covered were safety features such as wearing hair (and beard) nets, plastic gloves and removing jewelry. The measuring and weighing processes also were discussed.
Once at their stations, the volunteers donned plastic aprons for their three-hour shifts.
Although the food supplies come mostly from the state initiative Project Outreach, some grant funding and other sources, many of the volunteer teams also added to the coffer.
A group of women from the Crown Point branch of Centier Bank commented on the informal fundraiser at their location.
“The employees that aren’t here today were allowed to wear jeans to work for a minimum donation of $1,” bank employee Jeannie Gouwens said. “Everyone wanted to be involved in some way.”
In addition to Pack a Palooza, another 150 volunteers worked on eight projects in various communities during the Day of Caring. One of those was at The Arc Northwest Indiana in Highland.
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Members of Cargill Corp. helped the organization get ready for its summer festival by setting up game areas and pitching large tents.
“We’ve come to The Arc for our Day of Caring for the past four years,” said Steve Starzak, Cargill team leader. “Last year, we helped to rebuild their shed and we’ll keep coming back every year to help in whatever way we can. They are our pet charity.”
Ruth Bzibziak, secretary of the BP retiree group, said the dedication shown by the almost 600 volunteers on this annual Day of Caring was worth noting.
“This is amazing, all these people here today,” Bzibziak said. “Sometimes all you hear is the negative, and this event is so positive. It’s wonderful that this many people came out to show their support.”
Sue Ellen Ross is freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.