Fulton, NY – Birds Eye Foods of Fulton’s recently completed their annual employee campaign in support of the United Way of Greater Oswego County.  The campaign received generous support with Birds Eye Foods’ employees donating more than $6,800.00.  That coupled with Birds Eye Foods’ 50% corporate match accounted for a total donation of more than $10,000 to the United Way.

“Birds Eye Foods is doing a wonderful job with their employee campaign this year,” said Lois Luber, Resource Development Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County.  “We appreciate the strong commitment from Birds Eye.  Their employees are aware of the needs that exist in their community and they should be proud of their generosity to the United Way’s Community Care Fund.”

Love Lehtonen, coordinator for Birds Eye Foods’ employee campaign was enthusiastic about the campaign and Birds Eye Foods offered a number of unique incentives to help encourage employee participation including; personal travel kits, umbrellas, duffle bags, stadium blankets, one month of parking in the special United Way parking spot and a chance to receive a day off with pay.  Lehtonen was proud of the support she received from her fellow employees and happy that she achieved her goal for the campaign.

“My personal goal for our campaign this year was $10,000.  I am very pleased that we were able to work hard and surpass that goal.  It’s great to have such wonderful support from the employees here at Birds Eye towards the United Way campaign.  It’s rewarding to see the employees supporting their communities in such a generous way.  When you see the money going to people close to you; friends, coworkers, neighbors, you know what you’re doing is a good thing,” said Lehtonen.

 
Sue Fuller, administrative supervisor with Birds Eye Foods in Fulton, worked closely with Lehtonen on the employee campaign. She was also impressed with the response the campaign received and credited her co-workers for their realization of the importance of the United Way’s campaign and their generous support of the United Way’s efforts.

 “Our employees recognize the fact that supporting the United Way’s annual campaign is perhaps the best way to give back to your community and ensure that your donation truly does go to those in Oswego County who need it the most,” said Fuller.  “I have been an avid supporter of the United Way and their member agencies for many years.  Having seen first hand the positive affect that United Way member agencies have had on the lives of coworkers at Birds Eye Foods, friends and family members is rewarding and makes me proud to be even a small part of that network.  I’m thankful to the United Way for that privilege.”  

“The results of this year’s Annual Campaign for the United Way of Greater Oswego County will have a major impact on the lives of thousands of people throughout Oswego County,” added Luber.  “With the support of companies such as Birds Eye Foods and their caring employees, we can ensure that our annual campaign will have a positive affect on the quality of life in Oswego County.”

For more information on the United Way of Greater Oswego County’s Annual Campaign, or to make a donation, contact your United Way office at 593-1900 or mail contributions to 1 South First Street, Fulton, NY  13069.

Cut line for photo:  Representatives from Birds Eye Foods in Fulton recently presented the United Way of Greater Oswego County, with the results from their employee campaign in support of the United Way.  Pictured above from left in the front row are: Co-Coordinator of Birds Eye’s United Way campaign, Love Lehtonen, Susie Shortsleeve, and Sue Smith. In the back row from left are: Maintenance Supervisor, Marty Taft; HR Manager, Earnie Pietrykowski; Maintenance Manager, Jim Nighan; Co-Coordinator of Birds Eye’s United Way campaign, Sue Fuller; and Bobby Smith.