Starting the School Year Strong

Cape May Team Helps Local Students Start the School Year Strong

Back-to-school season comes with a long list: notebooks, pencils, folders, backpacks… and plenty of excitement for what’s ahead. This year, our Cape May branch wanted to help make that list a little easier for families in Vineland, New Jersey.

The team sponsored a back-to-school event at Asambleas De Dios church, organized by Pastor Miguel Barreria, head of the Hispanic Pastors of South Jersey. A donation box was set up right in the Cape May office, where team members could contribute supplies, and the Western team stepped in to help cover the rest!

It was a simple effort, but one that really showed what it means to be essential together. By the time the event arrived, the team was able to contribute 50 backpacks filled with school supplies all ready for local kids. For Commercial Sales Representative Andy Lindemuth, the decision to get involved was easy.

“Vineland is close to our Cape May branch and because of that, near and dear to our hearts,” Andy said. “I felt we should give something back to the community.” And when the backpacks started finding their new tiny owners, the moment hit home.

“Seeing the faces of the kids and the parents when we handed them a new backpack filled with school supplies was emotional for me,” Andy shared.

Those moments are a great example of how the Cape May team and the rest of Western commits to being remarkable in ways that go beyond pest control and help create a lasting impact on the communities we call home.

Andy also thanked Pastor Miguel and his wife, America, for organizing the event and preparing the backpacks, along with Steve Plevins for helping bring everyone together. Thanks to them and the team at the Cape May branch, this year, 50 kids will start the year off with the supplies they need, so they can focus on their studies.