Valero Port Arthur Refinery employees broke records Tuesday with a $752,169 donation to the United Way of Mid and South Jefferson County.

The amount is above last year’s $590,867 raised by the company.

Each year Valero employees’ pledge contributions are matched 50 percent by the company, and this year the employees went all out to extend a helping hand to those in the community in need of assistance.

“It is amazing and a little overwhelming to see the compassion from the Valero employees and the company for the United Way services and programs,” Janie Johnson, executive director of the local United Way, said Tuesday during a check presentation ceremony.

This year’s United Way campaign goal is $1.2 million for the Port Arthur-Mid-County area, Johnson said.

Mickey Landry, this year’s campaign chairman at Valero, thought it important to put a face on the many agencies the United Way helps with their annual operating budgets.

“When asked to do this I was honored asked honored to take up the task. This year we did things a little different,” Landry said.

Valero not only met with organizations assisted by the United Way, but also met those using the agencies.

“I thought we should do a better job of putting a face with the agency,” Landry said.

Those faces included children enrolled in after school programs at the YMCA, a mother of two autistic children helped by the Capland Center, and people able to go to work thanks to the United Board of Missions which provided money for TWIC cards, just to name a few.

“What they all had in common was they all had a story. We tried to tell their stories,” Landry said.

The response from Valero employees was phenomenal, Landry said.

“They opened their hearts and wallets like never before,” Landry said “These agencies work tirelessly. It is astounding to the me how much they do with so little. They operate on a shoestring budget.”

Landry said sadly the need for assistance from the United Way has not diminished since he was first involved with the charitable organization.

“I was involved with the United Way years ago, but the need is greater now,” he said.

Greg Gentry, Valero Port Arthur Refinery vice-president and general manager said the donation from employees had grown through the years, from about $60,000 to $80,000 in 2000 to the $752,169 in 2016.

“In the last 15 years we have come an unbelievable way,” Gentry said.

In addition to employee pledges, Valero raised money for the United Way with fundraisers including the annual gumbo cook-off and an online auction.

 

United Way Agencies

BOY’S HAVEN  409-866-2400

Provides a structured environment and opportunities for boys, ages 10 – 17, in a licensed residential facility.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA  409-842-5240
Assists and guides young people in character development, citizen training, physical fitness, and instilling values to make ethical choices in order to achieve their full potential.

CAPLAND SPEECH THERAPY CENTER  409-729-2227

Offers extensive evaluation and therapy services for individuals of all ages with speech, language and/or hearing disabilities.

COMMUNITY CARE-PRAYER OUTREACH  409-724-0163 or 409-724-1194, 808B Nederland Ave., Nederland, TX  77627

Provides GED Program, utility and rental assistance, food, clothing, gasoline, car seats, Christmas program for children, Thanksgiving food baskets, used furniture. “Power to Care” for 55 or older.

FAMILY SERVICES – WOMEN & CHILDREN’S SHELTER  800-621-8882 or 409-833-2668 Hotline 409-832-7575
Provides refuge and support services (information and referral, counseling, legal advocacy, financial aid, transportation, and housing) for domestic violence victims.

GIRL SCOUTS OF SAN JACINTO COUNCIL  713-292-0300
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place

GROVES SENIOR CITIZENS  409-963-1036, 5649 West Washington, Groves, TX  77619
Offers area senior citizens a cheerful atmosphere to socialize, participate in planned programs and activities and enjoy nutritious meals.

HOSPITALITY CENTER  888-982-4842 or 409-924-4406, 3959 Gulfway Drive, Port Arthur, TX  77642
Provides meals for the hungry 365 days of the year.
NUTRITION & SERVICES FOR SENIORS  409-892-4455 or 409-722-7782
Provides meals on wheels, transportation, congregate dining, Care Net, and other support services for people 60 or over. Serving 25 years in Jefferson & Hardin Counties.

PORT NECHES SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER  409-727-8650, 1006 Port Neches Ave., Port Neches, TX  77651
Promotes independence and self sufficiency, helps individuals find support, live with disabilities, live with dignity.  A congregate dining site for meals on wheels.
RAPE & SUCIDE CRISIS CENTER  409-832-6530 Hotline~409-835-3355~1-800-7WeCare
Educational Awareness/Prevention Programs for youth/adults and Support Groups for sexual assault survivors.

SALVATION ARMY  409-983-2229
Provides emergency rent, utility and prescription assistance, food, clothing, Christmas and Thanksgiving assistance, temporary lodging, fans, and youth and senior programs.
SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER  409-727-6400~Toll Free 1-877-385-3347
Provides professional mental health services to children, adolescents and adults through individual, couple, family and group counseling.
SHORKEY CENTER  409-838-6568
Services include effective physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation, education services including therapy for children with autism and other related disorders, parent assistance and support.
SOUTHEAST TEXAS COUNCIL ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE  409-982-1387 or 409-840-2408
Provides substance abuse treatment services, including outpatient counseling, residential treatment and the Harbor Prevention Program (youth prevention and education).
SOUTHEAST TEXAS HOSPICE  409-886-0622
Provides in-home counseling, bereavement, and medical care to terminally ill patients and families. Hospice offers homelike care in area nursing homes and assisted living centers.

UNITED BOARD OF MISSIONS409-962-5661
Offers Meals on Wheels, prescription assistance for Mid and South County, rent and utilities assistance, back to school supplies and clothing. Two resale Shops located in Groves and Port Arthur.

YMCA  409-962-6644

Offers after school care, day camp, youth sports, water exercise, swim lessons and health and wellness services.