IMCD US Pays Tribute to First Responders for 20th Anniversary of 9/11

IMCD US, LLC, part of IMCD Group, paid tribute to first responders in observance of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11).

IMCD employees from coast-to-coast participated in an initiative to show appreciation to first responders in their respective communities and in the communities where IMCD US offices are located – Westlake, OH; Jersey City, NJ; La Mirada, CA; and Dallas. The collective effort of IMCD US employees resulted in the assembly of more than 700 IMCD US Care Kits delivered to first responders across the United States.

“9/11 was truly a tragic day for our country the world will never forget,” said Thomas Van Valkenburgh, IMCD US president. “As a company, we wanted to be in unison in reflecting on the tragedy and the heroes of the day by redefining its impact through doing good for the men and women who dedicate their lives to serve our communities every day.”

IMCD US employees packed Care Kits and filled them with snacks, gift cards and other items as a gesture to show appreciation to community servers.

“Our first responders and military give so much to our communities – they run towards the commotion and danger to help those in need, and we are so grateful for all that they do,” said Mary Ellen Johnson, technical account manager, IMCD US Pharmaceuticals. “This initiative makes us think about what our heroes do for us every day.”

Many employees also included their families in preparing the Care Kits at home. Some children designed cards and joined in packing the Care Kits. “It is good to show our chil-dren the importance of saying ‘thank you’ to those who help us,” added Johnson.

Dropping off the Care Kits to local fire houses and police stations was also a family affair as some children accompanied their parents – it was well received by the local heroes who expressed appreciation for the gesture.

“We have been honored to have firefighters and police officers as family members so this initiative hits close to home,” said Jessica Molinar, IMCD US warehouse administrative manager, whose nieces participated in the initiative by delivering Care Kits in La Mirada, CA. “I hope they will learn to lead by example in expressing gratitude for all first re-sponders and continually do good even when no one is watching.”

“I am so thankful to our first responders for their daily sacrifices and the small acts of kindness we do for others help us to give back,” said Megan Elder, IMCD US customer ser-vice, who helped deliver to Care Kits in Westlake, OH, where IMCD US is headquartered. “It is easy to quickly recall that day and just move along, but it is important to slow down, remember 9/11 and honor the lives we lost by giving a little of our time to serve others.”