At Plasman, we believe that being a good neighbor means more than just sharing an address – it means showing up when it counts. Recently, Plasman MVP Ambassadors from Fort Payne Manufacturing and Global Headquarters had the privilege of hand-delivering a donation of over 60 essential items to The Arc of DeKalb County, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“We are incredibly grateful to Plasman for stepping up in such a meaningful way,” said Ali Rogers, Executive Director, The Arc of DeKalb County. “Their generosity in donating so many much-needed items from our wish list directly supports the individuals and families we serve at The Arc of DeKalb County, and it truly makes a difference.”
While a “delivery” might sound like logistics, this was really about providing the tools for comfort, creativity, and care.
Equipping the Mission
The Arc provides a vital lifeline for many in the Fort Payne community, and their needs are as diverse as the people they serve. Their wish list of items that Plasman was able to donate touched several key areas of their daily operations:
The Quiet Room
Specialized items designed to create a soothing, sensory-friendly environment for individuals who may need a moment of peace and decompression.
Creative Expression
A variety of craft supplies were included to fuel the art programs that allow residents and participants to express themselves and build fine motor skills.
A Clean, Safe Home
From cleaning supplies to household essentials, these donations ensure staff have everything they need to maintain a healthy and welcoming environment.
Resources & Equipment
Practical tools and equipment were provided to streamline daily tasks, helping the dedicated team at The Arc focus on what they do best: caring for their community.
“Being able to deliver the donation of items face to face turned a simple donation into a moment of hope,” said Nikkie Goddard, Master Trainer, Human Resources, Fort Payne Manufacturing, Plasman. “I believe it shows them they are not invisible in our community, and that we, Plasman, are a community partner to help support.”
For Plasman, this wasn’t just about clearing a wish list. It was about recognizing that the “little things” – fresh kraft art paper, a sturdy piece of equipment, or sensory relief lighting, are actually the big things when they are in the hands of those who need them most.
“The work The Arc does is transformative,” said Tim Aktas, General Manager, Fort Payne Manufacturing, Plasman. “We are honored to play even a small part in helping them serve their clients with the dignity and resources they deserve.”
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to The Arc of Dekalb County doesn’t end with one delivery. We are inspired by the resilience and heart shown by the staff and participants at The Arc, and we look forward to finding more ways to champion their cause in the future.
Plasman is more than a global leader in automotive manufacturing; we are a team committed to affecting change, helping children in need, and giving back to our communities.
About Plasman
Plasman is a leading global manufacturer in bumpers-fascias, grilles, exterior trim, and subsystem components. As One Driving Force™, our diverse team of talented employees in 10 countries is driven by a commitment to outperform in all areas from engineering design to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Plasman’s headquarters are in Oldcastle, Ontario. Further information about Plasman is available at Plasman.com or follow us on LinkedIn.