10 Types of Hard-Working Heroes We’re Grateful For

Happy Labor Day! We hope you are enjoying a nice, long weekend spent grilling up some burgers and hot dogs or attending a neighborhood barbecue (both made better with Martin’s Potato Rolls! 😊).

While recognizing the fun memories being made this weekend, we also wanted to use the occasion to honor a few specific categories of workers, both organizations and individuals, who make our community and our world a better place. Many people employed in these types of industries perform their duties joyfully and earnestly, often without the appreciation they so often deserve.

So…we’re taking a moment to say “thanks!” We recognize that the below list is not all-inclusive—as there are many other people, in other fields of expertise, who we depend on and appreciate—yet today we wanted to say a big thank you to all those who support our local communities and provide aid to those in need, both domestically and globally. You are all heroes.

1.           Human Services

Image from endhomelessness.org.

Every day, millions of people in the U.S. experience very real crises of hunger, poverty, and/or homelessness. According to a 2021 report, over half a million people in America experienced homelessness in January 2020, as determined by a nationwide point-in-time count. These large-scale problems require the resources of benevolent organizations and non-profits seeking to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, and give shelter to those in need.

(Tip: To learn more about food insecurity in America and to find out how you can help, click here.)

Thank you to all the food banks, housing shelters, and social service organizations, as well as all the individuals and volunteers working in these fields to help care for our neighbors and our community.

2.           Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief

Of course, problems like hunger and poverty are not unique to the U.S. These humanitarian crises occur perpetually on a global scale. But with the help of international aid organizations, many of these impoverished regions are able to find support and relief.

Thank you to the many humanitarian relief organizations for offering essential resources and assistance to those in need across the globe.

3.           Community Development and Social Clubs

As a family-run business with two baking facilities, one in Chambersburg, PA, and another in Valdosta, GA, our local towns and surrounding communities are very important to us. Martin’s employs several-hundred employees between these two locations, so we want to make sure we are supporting these families and their homes as much as possible.

Being part of a local community is an important experience for individuals and families alike. It is critical that people have the chance to find a sense of belonging and to build healthy relationships with others with whom they can grow and learn together. That’s why we’re grateful for the local businesses, social and recreational clubs, and community development organizations that help to make our towns a safe and inviting space.

Thank you to all the local organizations who provide a welcoming place for the community to gather together and support one another in friendship and compassion.

4.           Care Ministries and Faith-Based Organizations

In addition to the physical and social needs addressed above, there are many people who struggle with emotional and spiritual matters such as grief, trauma, addiction, depression, and broken relationships, and they need help, hope, and healing. For these individuals, it is essential that they have a support group or advocate who can guide them through the recovery process and offer continued care or counselling. As a family-owned business based on Christian values, these causes are near and dear to our hearts.

Thank you to the many nonprofit ministries and religious institutions offering emotional and spiritual care for those who are hurting or for anyone seeking a faith community.

5.           Health Associations and Support Centers

Individuals and families facing difficult medical diagnoses, diseases, disabilities, or other health-related issues may find comfort and care through health foundations, medical research institutes, treatment and prevention facilities, and various support centers. We’re grateful for the many organizations and workers who help to care for those with critical health needs.

Thank you to all the medical support facilities and healthcare workers who provide comfort and healing to those who are suffering, along with their families and loved ones.

6.           Senior Living/Elderly Care

Image from mennohaven.org.

Another major group of people in need of custom care solutions are our senior citizens. Whether through long-term care facilities, retirement centers, nursing homes, assisted living, or hospice care, the elderly community deserves a safe and comfortable place where they can have access to holistic care that covers all of their needs.

Thank you to all the members of the elderly care community who help to ensure that our senior citizens live enjoyable and fulfilling lives.

Martin’s Employees Christmas Caroling at Menno Haven

7.           First Responders/Emergency Services

When accidents and emergencies take place, it’s our frontline defenders who show up, reliably, to get the situation under control and bring help to the individuals involved. These members of our local communities put their lives on the line time and again, to make our communities a safer place. And for that, we are very grateful.

Thank you to our first responders, fire and rescue teams, crime prevention officers, and many others who assist and defend our neighborhoods and towns.

8.           Educational Institutions

Many of the above careers wouldn’t be possible without the necessary education or training in the related fields. That’s why schools, universities, and directed educational programs—from early childhood through adulthood—are so important. Learning is for everyone! And we are grateful to all those helping to make that happen.

Thank you to all our teachers and supporting administrative staff for training up generation after generation and helping to keep the flow of steady jobs across the full spectrum of industries.

9.           Youth Programs

Our youth, in particular, can benefit from a variety of extra-curricular activities that go beyond their textbook knowledge. Programs such as youth sports leagues, music classes, drama clubs, debate teams, mathalon, social clubs and camps, and many others offer children a diverse range of skills and a chance to find a new interest or hobby.

Thank you to the many organizations and programs that are helping to raise up the next generation.

10.      Our Employees

We’d be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to highlight our fantastic employees here at Martin’s who help keep the business running. It takes our whole team working together—across a variety of departments including Production, Purchasing and Receiving, Maintenance, Engineering, Sanitation, Transportation, Vehicle Maintenance, Sales and Marketing, MIS, Finance, Legal, and Human Resources—to make it happen!

With over 1,000 employees and a steadily expanding distribution area (the East Coast of the U.S., and moving westward; as well as internationally to more than 40 countries), all of these roles are an essential piece of the company.

Thank you, Martin’s employees and distribution partners, for all you do to support the business and to help bake and distribute high-quality bread and rolls to our consumers. We appreciate you!

Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe Inc., the privately owned company behind Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls & Bread, tithes a portion of its profits each year, along with donating supplies of bread and rolls, to various charitable organizations in the categories listed above. We do this as a way to give back to our community and to ensure we are being a good steward of our resources. This is another way we can offer our appreciation to those who devote their time and energy to helping meet the urgent needs of society.

Head over to www.mylunchboxhero.com to help Martin’s reach our donation goal to Blessings in a Backpack to help fight childhood hunger. All it requires is filling out a simple form!

And to our employees, we share our appreciation through a robust benefits package, which covers a spectrum of needs including financial, physical, emotional, and professional, in order to help employees thrive in the workplace. Additionally, Martin’s offers extended benefits such as an on-site health clinic, a “micromarket” of food selections, and a corporate café where employees can gather either outside or indoors and spend time with friends and coworkers.

Take a quick look at what it’s like to work at Martin’s in this short video highlighting our employees!

P.S.—If you are interested in a job with Martin’s, you can apply online at https://potatorolls.com/jobs.

Happy Labor Day!