GALLIPOLIS FERRY — Being a partner in the community is what Supresta, LLC is all about.

Recently, the company, along with M&G Polymers of Apple Grove, donated thousands of dollars to WBYG radio station’s “Snow Buddies,” a county outreach program that assists less fortunate families at Christmas time.

According to Richard Gilkey, president of United Steel Workers 859L of Supresta, the union and company have been fortunate this year to give back to the community.

“We had no lay-offs this year and we love being able to lend a hand to help out,” Gilkey said.

Gilkey said that he and Shari Cochran, station manager at WBYG, talked about this program at the Turkey Bowl in November. Since then, he and his fellow union workers have been adamant about helping out the area.

Employees at the Gallipolis Ferry plant donated to project, and during the first week, two checks were presented to the radio station totaling $1,200. The company also assisted in providing funds for the project.

“We have a good working relationship here at Supresta and with that comes a better relationship to the community,” Gilkey said.

Once Gilkey saw the response in his community, he challenged those at the Apple Grove plant to do the same.

Rocky Sturgeon, maintenance manager at M&G, said the company and USW 644L raised $2,200 for the cause. He said that the Apple Grove plant also had no lay-offs this year.

“We enjoy helping out our community and are involved in numerous organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Sturgeon said. “We give bikes and helmets, along with assist in scholarships and support of local sports teams. M&G is also very active in the Mason County Fair livestock.”

Brian Wedge, a worker at M&G Polymers, was happy to support the project.

“I am glad, as a union and company employee, that we were able to come together to help out,” Wedge said.

Kathy Wise, office manager of WBYG and organizer of “Snow Buddies,” said that thanks to the donations from both plants, all this kids have been taken care of for this Christmas.

“We have over 150 families, with about two hundred to three hundred children that will have a better Christmas thanks to our sponsors,” Wise said.

Wise works alongside Ruby Jordan of the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), who has been very involved in the community for many years.

Employees at the station do the shopping for the children. The community also is welcome to adopt a family.

“We are still raising money to continue to help these families,” Wise said. “Anything extra goes to providing even more for the parents and children, including a Christmas dinner.”

Gilkey said that WBYG is more than just a radio station.

“WBYG does much more than promotions and live broadcasts in the community,” Gilkey said. “They are seen throughout the community and recognize many events. They are not only good neighbors, but they are good partners in the community.”

Cochran stated that although the staff is a small one at Big Country 99.5, they are all team players.

“Giving back is what it is all about,” Cochran said. “When you live in a small community, everyone becomes family.”

She extended a special thank you to both plants for choosing “Snow Buddies” to donate to this year.

“There are so many organizations that need help and we appreciate the support from Supresta and M&G,” Cochran said.

Both Supresta and M&G Polymers plan to participate in an upcoming coat drive with WBYG. During this drive, donation containers will be set up at area businesses in hopes to provide winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for those who need them. Details are still being worked out but will be announced by the radio station.

Before the meeting adjourned, Gilkey presented Cochran and Wise with another $100 check from the Mason-Jackson-Roane Labor Council.

The Supresta plant also plans to make an additional donation to “Snow Buddies” at the end of the week.