United understands that the company’s ultimate value lies in our workforce and strives to provide the structured training and mentorship necessary to create a working culture which supports both the personal and professional success of each employee. So, when one of our team members came forward with an idea to help families in Puerto Rico who are still struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we quickly worked with the individual to formulate a plan and organize the resources necessary to see the concept through.
In conversations with friends and relatives who live on the island, our team learned of a need for high quality tarps for roofs that were damaged by the storm. Many homes are currently covered with low-grade tarps that won’t last more than a year due to the climate of the area. By utilizing an excess of durable vinyl material, along with the technical expertise of our employees, United is uniquely poised to resolve this issue.
Currently we have the necessary material and machinery to manufacture 60 tarps that will provide long-term protection for between 10-15 years. While our team hopes that recovery and a return to normalcy will not take that long, the frequent replacement of tarps would no longer be a concern. Employees have volunteered their time for the fabrication of the tarps, which will be conducted outside of normal business hours. We have formed relationships with representatives from FEMA and local relief efforts, who have boots on the ground in Puerto Rico. But we need some help.
We need a partner (or partners) to offset the cost of shipping the tarps to their destination on the island. Due to the thickness of the material and the dimensions requested, each completed tarp will weigh between 150 – 300 pounds. United is seeking an individual or organization who can facilitate the transport whether in the form of funds or the use of a shipping carrier.
We hope that with the success of this service project, the company will be able to provide tarps for disaster relief efforts on a regular basis. If you or someone you know may be interested in assisting us, inquiries can be directed to:
Rebecca Kreke
Lead – Business Integrator
United Industrial Textile Products, Inc.
(413) 737-0095 ext. 303
rebeccak@uitprod.com
