Businesses Donate John Deere Equipment to Schools
More than a dozen schools in four counties receive donations
Trending
WHEELING -- More than a dozen area schools located in Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Belmont counties will be in much better shape to take care of their lawns or equipment hauling needs thanks to the generosity of ERB Electric and Bridgeport Equipment & Tool Sales and Rental.
As a way to show their appreciation and longtime continued support for the communities they service around the Upper Ohio Valley, ERB Electric and Bridgeport Equipment hosted a community appreciation event on the Linsly School's campus Thursday, where the two businesses donated 21 John Deere 560E Gators and X570 tractors to area schools.
All of the equipment combined totaled more than $125,000, according to ERB Operations Manager Justin Klempa.
ERB Electric and Bridgeport Equipment owners Tom and Mary Knight decided the best way to give back to local communities is to donate the much-needed equipment to area schools. Klempa said while some of the larger school districts received both a gator and a tractor, a random selection process was used to decide what pieces of equipment the rest would receive.
As representatives from many area school districts gathered for pizza and refreshments inside the Linsly fieldhouse, Klempa thanked those in attendance and detailed some of the company's history and why they decided to host the appreciation event.
"Over the last 20 years, with the help and support of our local community and you guys, it (ERB) has transformed into the largest electrical contractor in the area," Klempa said. "The reason for this we believe is the quality of work, timely service and the overall value of our product has created lasting relationships throughout the communities and with our customers in those communities," he said. "When trying to think of ways to say 'thank you,' the idea of giving to the schools seemed to be the best fit. … We believe in our school districts and our communities and honestly believe this is a great investment in those communities," he added.
As school representatives filtered outside the gymnasium to search for the vehicle that matched the randomly drawn number provided in gift bags to each of them, many could be over heard saying, 'what a great event,' or 'what a great way to give back to the community,' while looking over the line of tractors and gators next to fieldhouse. One by one, each piece was loaded on to trailers and driven away to each school district.
Ohio County Schools Maintenance Director Brian Harto said he is extremely appreciative of the generosity and the equipment will be put to good use.
"This is great. ERB has been a local partner with Ohio County Schools for a lot of years. They have done a lot of projects in our county -- probably in every (school) building. For a company to recognize the school systems like this and to give these gifts to us, it's a great thing," Harto commented. "It will be put to good use on the grounds of various buildings we have, so it's a perfect gift."
Wheeling Central Catholic High School Maintenance Supervisor Reggie Clark, who claimed a tractor for the school, said it was an amazing event.
"You got to thank ERB Electric and Bridgeport Equipment for everything they do for the community," Clark commented. He said the school has several properties in East Wheeling. "It will definitely be put to good use," he added.