“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
-Maya Angelou

With the holidays fast approaching our instinctive response it to kick into high gear, running from store to store taking care of all of our holiday related errands. But before the Holiday buzz sweeps you away, stop for a second to help those less fortunate than yourself. Not only will helping out in the community make you feel better during the holidays it will truly benefit someone who is experiencing difficulties. Too often kids seem to be the most affected. Sunrise wants to give needy children hope this year by donating toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Marines picking up toys at Sunrise Packaging

The goal of this program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during the months from October to December and to distribute the toys as a holiday gift to needy children in the surrounding community. The U. S. Marine Corp states that the mission of their program is to “spread the message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens, and community leaders.”

Over the 58 years of this programs existence, Toys for Tots has collect over 332 million toys and helped over 158 million needy children. This program has been fortunate to help many children throughout their years of service but their overall goal is to help 14 million needy children each year. This year, in our area they are especially in need of children’s toys for ages 0-2 and 15-17, although toys for all ages are encouraged and welcomed.

Today is the last day to drop off toys at Sunrise. So far, we have collected more than one-and-a-half containers. If you’re in the area this morning, please stop by with an unwrapped toy for those kids whose holidays may need a little extra cheer. Every little bit helps!

It is in small efforts that we help one another. We want to than the Sunrise employees and surrounding businesses for their generous contributions to give back and to help the children in your community.

Have a happy holiday season.

Name: Steve Sandahl

Nicknames: none

Length of time working at Sunrise: 21 years

Last book you read: Cat in the Hat - to my granddaughter

Favorite hobby: golf, travel, hot rods

If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why? Leonardo Da Vinchi. Aside from his artistic genius he made numerous other contributions to the world. His discoveries and theories were in engineering, mathematics, physics, mechanics, philosophy, and many other fields. It would be interesting to get insight into his vision and creativity.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? why? Invisibility. I would seek out, infiltrate, and foil the plans of bad people throughout the world without detection. Besides, it would be fun. You could go anywhere, attend any function at no cost.

Favorite part of working at Sunrise: Working with my customers as a resource to provide solutions to new projects. Many of the customer relationships I’ve developed over the years have turned into friendships. Helping a friend is fun, not work.

We are delighted to introduce our newest employee in Purchasing! Lucy is working with our vendors in materials procurement and will be instrumental in helping us create unique, affordable and quality products for our customers.

Name:  Lucy Sun

Length of time working at Sunpack:  3 weeks

Last book you read: Playing for Pizza by John Grisham

Favorite hobby:  Dancing. It makes me feel relaxed and happy.

If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why? If I could meet anyone dead, that would be my father. I was not around when he was hospitalized and passed away, I miss him.

If I could meet anyone alive, I would like to meet Hilary Clinton, she is a well educated strong woman.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why? If I have any superpower, I would like to stop all the wars and everyone lives a peaceful life.

What are you looking forward to most about working at Sunrise? Working with friendly people and grow with the company

From time to time, we’d like to introduce you to the people who make up the Sunrise Family!  We thought the best person to start with is the “Voice of Sunrise,” Sandy Callison. She is the first person you are most likely to talk to at Sunrise. She has many responsibilities from answering the phone to accounts receivable and credit & collections and especially lifting spirits throughout the office with her ready smile and happy laughter. 

The following are a few tidbits about Sandy:

Name: Sandra Callison

Nicknames: Sandy

Length of time working at Sunpack: 4 years on Sept. 9, 2008

Last book you read: Would rather read a good magazine – i.e.: Newsweek, People or Good Housekeeping

Favorite hobby: During the winter months, I like to sew, embroider and do word search and jig-saw puzzles. During the summer months, I like to garden. Anytime throughout the year, I like to bake, cook and watch TV (my favorite program channel is CNN). I really enjoy watching the Olympics!

If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Why? Dead: family members, because I miss them all especially the good, sometimes controversial talks we would have. Alive: Oprah Winfrey. She seems to have it all together, she’s compassionate, down to earth, works hard, yet has fun, etc. Plus, I admire all the work she does at home and abroad. She seems like a person you could just sit down with, have a cup of tea with and just talk one-on-one about anything – like a sister.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why? Take away the heartache and suffering people have to endure. World harmony – everyone equal (no rich, poor).

Favorite part of working at Sunpack: The people