Marathon gives back(packs)

Published 12:00 am Saturday, August 14, 2010

By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Employees of Marathon’s Garyville refinery continued a tradition of philanthropy Wednesday when they stopped at East St. John Elementary School to hand out backpacks filled with school supplies to nearly 90 students there.

Human Resources Manager Bob Kasubinski said, “We’ve been partners with East St. John Elementary over 10 years.”

He said the Garyville employees made donations to the backpack program and the company matched employee donations. This year, Marathon handed out 86 backpacks at ESJES. Additionally, the company paid a visit to Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School Monday and provided 85 students with bags and supplies.

As the children came up one by one to claim their bags, some seemed overwhelmed by the show of generosity. Others just seemed overwhelmed. One kindergarten student, in fact, needed a little assistance carrying his stuffed backpack.

“You can see their faces light up,” said Principal Jerry Galloway, who noted that the refinery helps the school in other ways throughout the year.

Besides its partnership with East St. John Elementary, Kasubinski said they work with GMMS and East St. John High School. At the various schools they provide tutoring, reading and science programs and give financial help.

At the high school they help provide the science lab with supplies and work with the big brother and big sister program.

Additionally, this summer Marathon’s interns helped give ESJHS a fresh coat of paint.

“It’s something that we see as beneficial to the community,” said Kasubinski.