ICP employee, Kirk Wilkie, gives back

Three years ago while attending church, Fluor Idaho United Steelworkers Safety Representative Kirk Wilkie vowed to do more charitable work in his community. This holiday season, his charitable work had the backing of his colleagues and his employer, which contributed more than $2,150 to help feed and clothe those in need. 

Wilkie and his wife Joy have served meals for the homeless at the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission and other local charities. They and others prepared more than 120 meals during the Thanksgiving holiday and served 85 more during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. 

"With the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been much more difficult to feed the homeless due to social distancing guidelines, but the need is still there if not greater than before the pandemic," he said.

Recently, his grandson Krew learned that a homeless man at the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission wanted an additional meal voucher because he could trade the meal for a blanket. That gave Krew the idea of providing winter clothing to those in need. 

"With the help of employees from the Spent Nuclear Fuels A/B Crew and Fluor Idaho, we have enough money to purchase coats, hats, gloves, and socks to help those in need during the winter months," Wilkie said. 

Prior to the Christmas holiday, Fluor Idaho provided each employee a holiday ham. Several employees opted to give their ham back to the company to donate to local charities. Combined with the donated and unclaimed hams, Fluor Idaho was able to give 500 hams to shelters and food banks. 

"Every donation helps," said Wilkie. "Whether it's providing Christmas gifts for local and regional families or donations to the Care Program, our employees are very generous." 

Wilkie said he enjoys helping those in need and is happy to have the support of his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

"This has been a family affair," he said. "It's rewarding to see my children and grandchildren take an interest in helping others." 

This content originally appeared on Fluor Idaho's social media