With the holiday season afoot, energy companies across the commonwealth are giving back. Most recently, The Times Online reported that “Shell Chemicals’ employees donated hundreds of gifts to the Aliquippa Salvation Army on Wednesday, gifts that will eventually go to 76 needy children in Beaver County.” The piece quoted Shell spokesman Joe Minnitte, who explained that “Our culture at Shell is to connect those working on our project to the local community, and we greatly appreciate the opportunity provided by the Aliquippa Salvation Army.” The spokesman praised the Salvation Army for the work it does and “for giving us the opportunity to contribute locally.”
These donations underlay the company’s commitment to the local communities, and spread the holiday cheer along the line. According to The Huntington Daily Times, “Thanks to some big donations from companies, organizations and businesses, many more children will have an opportunity to have a great holiday season courtesy of Huntingdon County Toys for Tots. The biggest donation is from Michels Corp., the company responsible for the Mariner East II pipeline throughout the county, said Huntingdon County Toys for Tots coordinator Wendy Williams.”
Shell and Mariner East are perfect examples of local projects bringing local benefits – and toys to communities across Pennsylvania – and these benefits stand to extend far past the holiday season.