Melaleuca Employees Celebrate the Spirit of Giving With Food and Toy Drives

Demonstrating the true spirit of the holiday season, hundreds of employees at Melaleuca have collectively donated approximately $13,000 in new toys, clothing and food to the Salvation Army, the Development Workshop and other community agencies. Because of these employees, dozens of local families will have food to eat over the next three months and a mountain of new presents under the Christmas tree for their children.

A food drive raised 5,200 pounds of canned goods and 1,700 pounds of meat to sustain 10 families through the winter. In addition to donating cans of food brought from home, numerous employees decided to contribute significant portions of their bonus money to purchase additional food for the families. The company also provided spiral hams and smoked turkey, valued at $1500, to ensure dozens of families enjoy a hot meal during the holidays.

Simultaneously, Melaleuca employees participated in The Giving Tree for Kids program, donating thousands of dollars of new toys, gift certificates and clothing for children ranging from infants all the way to adolescents.

“Their donations will help many families here in Idaho Falls have a much brighter, warmer holiday season,” said the Salvation Army’s Major James Halverson. “There are so many people in need of service, especially during this time of year, and this donation helps to close the gap for parents while bringing smiles and laughter to the children.”

The donations came from employees located at Melaleuca’s home office, the Broadway building and the Idaho Falls manufacturing plant, distribution center and powder plant. Continuing a longstanding tradition, the company has held an annual food drive and participated in The Giving Tree program each December for more than 10 years.

“This is a wonderful time of year to celebrate the spirit of giving,” said Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot. “Over the years we’ve seen our employees frequently respond to the needs of others in incredibly generous ways. We’re constantly impressed by their charity and willingness to help less fortunate individuals in our community.”

About Melaleuca

Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, enhances lives by developing, manufacturing and marketing more than 350 natural health and wellness products. These health, home cleaning, pharmaceutical and personal care products are designed to be safer and more effective than brands purchased at traditional drug and grocery stores.