Countries Contact us MyIMCD Group Company Business Groups Investors Careers Stories Media Centre IMCD US pays tribute to first responders on National Day of Service and Remembrance IMCD employees deliver more than 700 Care Kits across the United States to show appreciation to first responders in observance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (“9/11”), IMCD employees reflected on the tragedy and helped alleviate a day of sadness into one inspired by unity and doing good. From the shores of New Jersey and the suburbs of Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles to the Greater Cleveland area, IMCD employees paid tribute to those who were lost, injured and served 20 years ago, by participating in an initiative that displays appreciation to first responders in their communities. “9/11 was truly a tragic day for our country the world will never forget.” – Thomas Van Valkenburgh, IMCD US President “9/11 was truly a tragic day for our country the world will never forget,” said Thomas Van Valkenburgh, IMCD US President. “As a company, we wanted to be in unison in reflecting on the tragedy and the heroes of the day by redefining its impact through doing good for the men and women who dedicate their lives to serve our communities every day.” IMCD US employees packed Care Kits and filled them with snacks, gift cards and other items as a gesture to show appreciation to community servers. The collective effort of the employees resulted in the assembly of more than 700 IMCD US Care Kits delivered to first responders across the United States including four cities where the speciality chemicals and ingredients distribution company’s offices are located. “Our first responders and military give so much to our communities – they run towards the commotion and danger to help those in need, and we are so grateful for all that they do,” said Mary Ellen Johnson, Technical Account Manager, IMCD US Pharmaceuticals. “This initiative makes us think about what our heroes do for us every day.” Many employees also included their families in preparing the Care Kits at home. Some children designed cards and joined in packing the Care Kits. “It is good to show our children the importance of saying ‘thank you’ to those who help us,” added Mary Ellen. Dropping off the Care Kits to local fire houses and police stations was also a family affair as some children accompanied their parents – it was well received by the local heroes who expressed appreciation for the gesture. “It is refreshing to see this side of our job,” said Sergeant Oscar Rodriguez, La Mirada Service Area Sergeant, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. “Thank you for doing this.” The IMCD US 9/11 Care Kit initiative provided a program that connected our employees to complete charitable acts together as a team, but also sparked inspiration for many employees to continue doing good deeds for others. “My daughter and I are now planning on doing local volunteering as a way to give back – this has truly inspired us to do more.” – Mary Ellen Johnson, Technical Account Manager, IMCD US Pharmaceuticals “We have been honored to have firefighters and police officers as family members so this initiative hits close to home,” said Jessica Molinar, IMCD US Warehouse Administrative Manager, whose nieces participated in the initiative. “I hope they will learn to lead by example in expressing gratitude for all first responders and continually do good even when no one is watching.” No gesture is too small in helping turn tragedy into a day that inspires acts of kindness to remind people of our individual and collective potential to do good for others. “It is easy to quickly recall that day and just move along, but it is important to slow down, remember 9/11 and honor the lives we lost by giving a little of our time to serve others.” – Megan Elder, IMCD US Customer Service “I was only a child when 9/11 happened, but even then, I remember the confusion and fears everyone felt and saw on the news,” said Megan Elder, IMCD US Customer Service. “I am so thankful to our first responders for their daily sacrifices and the small acts of kindness we do for others help us to give back. It is easy to quickly recall that day and just move along, but it is important to slow down, remember 9/11 and honor the lives we lost by giving a little of our time to serve others.” Click to learn more about IMCD US This website uses cookies to improve your user experience We use cookies for a variety of purposes, such as website functionality and helping target our marketing activities. Click "accept" to accept our cookies. You can change the cookie settings by clicking "change settings". Accept all Change settings