The Good and Welfare Community Outreach Program originated in 1955 at the American Safety Razor Company in Verona, Va  

by the local IUE Union members and it has been a joint effort by the union and the salary employees for over 59 years.

 

Funds are generated throughout the year through many plant-wide and community fundraisers.

 

Food boxes are provided annually during the Christmas Season for those less fortunate in the Shenandoah Valley and 

surrounding communities.

 

From the first day the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank opened on Richmond Road in Staunton, Va, they became a member and 

purchased their food there, enabling them to assist so many people in need for almost six decades.

 

In one peak year, 275 families (over 700 individuals) received food boxes at Christmas.

 

Also in 1955, the first Children's Christmas Party was held for the mentally challenged children at their school in Staunton, Va.

At the opening of the school, this program provided gym equipment, game tables, freezers refrigerators, etc. to assist in their 

special needs.

 

These special children were eventually placed into the public school system. During this time, the party continued and provided 

for less fortunate children in the area and included children from the 'Boys and Girls Club' of Staunton and Waynesboro, Va. 

Clothing and toys were provided from their wish list by 'Santa' (ASR employees).

 

At its peak, the Children's Christmas Party reached out to approximately 200 children. The parents were invited as well and 

enjoyed a sit-down meal on many occasions with the children.

 

This program also assists fellow employees and individuals within the community over the years, during disasters such as; 

floods, fires and medical emergencies.

 

In 2009, a new venture was taken on with a Christmas meal, along with entertainment, gifts and fellowship provided for the 

residents of an adult nursing home in Stuarts Draft, Va.

 

CareTour was inspired and shaped, by The Good and Welfare Community Outreach Program. And in the caring and giving 

tradition of the program, CareTour will continue to carry on and help, to the best of our ability, those with less power in their time of need and to challenge those with more power to give back!