Canby, Oregon—When Mary Pytko’s name was read over the convention center sound system at the 2011 PMA Fresh Summit Trade Show as the winner of 25,000 Box Tops for Education labels, she knew exactly where her prize was headed: Westchester Middle School, her sons’ alma mater. As the Midwest Division manager of Package Containers, Inc., an Oregon-based sustainable packaging manufacturer, Pytko knew this was a school that did a lot with a little, and would put the gift to good use.
A check for $2,500 (the equivalent value of 25,000 Box Tops for Education® Labels) was recently presented to the public school’s student council officers and principal Greg Leban at an all-school assembly by Pytko and Woody Johnson, General Manager of Growers Marketing, LLC. The drawing, sponsored by Green Giant® Fresh, was held during the 2011 Fresh Summit Trade Show sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association. Both Green Giant® Fresh and Package Containers, Inc. are long-standing exhibitors at the show.
“I appreciate the generosity of Green Giant® Fresh in awarding this prize as one of several given out annually during the PMA Fresh Summit Show,” commented Pytko. “Their association with the nationally recognized Box Tops for Education® program speaks to their commitment to encouraging our youth to eat fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables, and coordinates with Package Containers, Inc. and our sustainability initiatives.” According to Principal Leban, the gift enabled the school to order three iPads for use in the classrooms/Media Center, plus a new volleyball system. Remaining funds will be used for additional technology purchases.
Package Containers, Inc.
Founded in 1947, Oregon-based Package Containers, Inc. manufactures compostable, recyclable paper bags in natural and white Kraft and recycled papers and rust-resistant galvanized wire cut ties for the agriculture, grocery, restaurant, bakery and wine industries. The company also is a value-added supplier of standard and custom high and low density reusable and recyclable polyethylene and polypropylene bags. PCI is a locally owned, privately held company continuously employing over 60 people with manufacturing headquarters in Canby, Oregon and regional offices in California, Ohio and Illinois. The company serves customers throughout the United States and Canada. PCI is committed to the sustainable reuse and recycling of all products it manufacturers.
Box Tops for Education® program & Green Giant® Fresh
Green Giant® Fresh is the only produce brand featuring Box Tops for Education® coupons, and currently offers the Box Tops for Education labels on over 50 varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables grown by the nation's top growers. General Mills' Box Tops for Education® program offers families easy, everyday ways to earn cash for their designated school. The program started in 1996 and over the past 15 years, more than 90,000 schools have earned over $475 million through Box Tops for Education, including more than $74 million last school year. Funds earned have been used for computers, books, playground equipment or items for classroom parties. Based in Salinas, CA, Growers Marketing, LLC manages the Green Giant® Fresh produce licensing business.
Source: Package Containers, Inc.
