Associates at Worzalla publishing company in Stevens Point conducted a donation drive at a previous event. (Contributed)

Worzalla employees donate over 500 lbs of school supplies

August 15, 2019

By Patrick Lynn

Employees at a Stevens Point-based book printer have collected over 500 pounds of school supplies for the United Way.

Worzalla Publishing donated the school supplies, for students in grades four through 12, to Project Fresh Start, a school supply distribution program held annually by the United Way of Portage County.

Nearly 400 employees at Worzalla participated in the program, according to a news release from the company on Jefferson St.

Employees were incentivized to contribute to the school supplies drive through an internal contest, the news release said. For each item donated, employees received an entry into a raffle to win a full day of vacation or one of five $50 gift cards. The department with the highest average weight of donations also won a root beer float and ice cream party. The company’s Office, Logistics, Quality, and Sales department won, having collected an average of 2.25 pounds of school supplies per team member. Team member Mary Przybylski won the raffle for a full day of vacation.

“We have many families who are directly connected to the Steven Point area’s local schools,” said Brianne Petruzalek, Director of Human Resources at Worzalla, who organized the donation drive. “We are proud of their effort to collect so many school supplies to help local students be able to read and learn in the best environment possible.”

In addition to employee contributions, Worzalla purchased 5,000 pencils and 30 backpacks to donate.

“Throughout Worzalla’s 125 years, the company has been incredibly committed to the central Wisconsin community,” said Jim Fetherston, President, and CEO of Worzalla. “Thanks to all of our employees who took part in this impressive effort to help our local schools and students thrive.”

Worzalla has a history of supporting the area’s local schools. Earlier this year, the company donated 250 books to area elementary schools in observance of World Book Day.

Worzalla’s employees manufacture millions of children’s books, lifestyle books, and cookbooks that are sold in bookstores and through online retailers across the country. For more information, visit worzalla.com or follow Worzalla on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.