Bauxite, Arkansas — Almatis employees recently made a significant impact on their local community by organizing a successful cereal drive to benefit Civitan Preschool, a local organization dedicated to supporting children with developmental disabilities. In an inspiring display of generosity, the Bauxite location employees collected and donated 168 boxes of cereal to the preschool, making a difference in the lives of many children and their families.
The idea for the cereal drive originated from Almatis’ commitment to giving back to the community, particularly in support of children and families who might otherwise struggle to provide breakfast. The cereal drive was part of a larger effort to contribute non-perishable breakfast items to those in need across Central Arkansas.
The drive was initiated by the TEAMS committee (Team Member Engagement, Appreciation, and More), consisting of five dedicated members: Angela Payne, Julie Wallace, Shannon Wayson, Sara Ramos, and Kelly Herndon, which was established at the Almatis Bauxite location to boost engagement both within the company and the community.
“Our committee wanted to do something meaningful for the community,” said Kelly Herndon, an Almatis representative. “We believed that it was important for this to be an employee-led initiative. We encouraged participation by holding a friendly competition between shifts and departments, with the winning team getting treated to ice cream sundaes. The result was incredible – 168 boxes of cereal were collected, enough for each child at the preschool to take some home.”
The Drop-Off
On the day of the drop-off, Almatis employees loaded up the back of a pickup truck with the cereal and delivered it to Civitan Preschool, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and students alike. The children’s excitement was evident as they helped unload the boxes and stacked them with pride.
"The best part of the week was spending time with the kids as they introduced themselves and stacked up the cereal," said Kelly Herndon who participated in the event. "Their faces lit up with joy, and it was absolutely precious. It really reminded us why we do this – to make a difference and spread a little happiness."
The visit to Civitan Preschool left a lasting impression on the Almatis team. Leigh Edmonson, representing the preschool, extended an open invitation to the employees to return anytime to read to the children, share a meal, or volunteer with their activities. "We jokingly asked if we could stay and eat lunch with them," one employee recounted, "and Leigh told us we were welcome anytime. It's an opportunity we're definitely going to take up."
This cereal drive is just the latest in Almatis’ ongoing efforts to support their community. In 2023, the company also organized a school supply drive for the Ralph Bunche annual community picnic, and there are plans to explore additional initiatives in the future, such as coat drives in the fall and adopting Angels at Christmas through local charities.
For more information about Civitan Services and the programs they offer for children and adults with developmental disabilities, please visit their website or contact them directly.
Almatis Inc., Benton, Arkansas
Arkansas Operations in Benton, Arkansas, began in 1952 as a refining plant for low-grade bauxite. It established the first Calcines alumina plant in 1954 and the first Tabular alumina plant in 1966. Today, with its 139 employees, it produces various grades of Calcined and Tabular alumina products, making it Almatis’ largest plant.