Social Purpose Spotlight – THERMO-KOOL/Mid-South Industries, Inc.

In NAFEM’s monthly Social Purpose Spotlight, one member company’s social purpose story is featured. Perhaps reading about the creativity and dedication of fellow NAFEM members will inspire you to start a program at your organization or provide some new ideas to enhance what you’re already doing.

This month we talked to Lisa Hinton, Marketing Director, THERMO-KOOL/Mid-South Industries, Inc., Laurel, Miss. Thermo-Kool has been involved in a variety of local charitable activities for quite some time. Hinton says, “There’s strength in numbers. Community work is something we truly value as a company and joining forces with NAFEM through the Social Purpose program offered an incredible opportunity to extend our impact and help even more people.”

One recipient of Thermo-Kool’s local outreach is The Mission at the Cross, an organization dedicated helping homeless men. The Hellfighters Motorcycle Shop is located next door, selling previously owned Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts and accessories, rider gear, and a service department with all proceeds used to fund operations at Mission at The Cross. This year, the organization’s Kool Food Drive was a particularly successful event to benefit the Mission at the Cross. Hinton adds, “When we delivered the donated food to the Mission, our entire company was there to see the joy and gratitude on the faces of the Mission’s workers. It was absolutely priceless.”

Thermo-Kool is currently putting together a committee to manage and streamline their charitable initiatives. Hinton explains, “The Kool Food Drive was the first charity event we organized and hosted entirely on our own and its success exceeded all our expectations. We aim to make it an annual tradition, which requires creating a dedicated committee to make sure everything runs smoothly.” The need for community involvement has grown over the past few years and with economic uncertainty more people are struggling. To address the need, many local companies have come together to collaborate and uplift the community.

Ongoing local activities include participation in Laurel’s Chili Cook-Off to support the preservation of their historic downtown. Additionally, Thermo-Kool associates are heavily involved in school activities, particularly sporting events, where many of their kids participate. This year, they sponsored a local high school’s Halloween baseball charity event, which featured kids running the bases in costumes. Most recently, Thermo-Kool purchased and decorated a Christmas tree for Prancer Path, a charity organized by United Way that features a magical display of holiday lights. Hinton adds, “These activities are fantastic for building teamwork and fostering a sense of pride among our employees. We all care about our community so it’s truly a win-win for everyone involved.”

If your organization is considering a social purpose initiative, Hinton suggests, “Ask them what they need. Donating money to a charity or a food bank is helpful, but we try to first ask the question ‘what do you need?’ Finding out what resources they need, when they need them and who they’ve partnered with before can have an even greater impact.”

NAFEM’s Social Purpose program, #NAFEMFightingHunger, just completed its fifth year, meeting our goal of raising funds to support 6.5 million meals for those in need. When members donate funds, food or volunteer time to their local Feeding America member food banks or any local food bank, NAFEM contributes matching funds. This year, NAFEM matched $300,000 of member contributions to local food banks. 

For ideas to start or enhance your company’s efforts, visit #NAFEMFightingHunger. If you have questions or would like to be featured in a future Social Purpose Spotlight, contact NAFEM Headquarters, +1.312.821.0201.