Dave Roberts, manager of Food Lion at Forest Hills, receives a plaque from Santa Claus, courtesy of Governor Easley, honoring him for his outstanding service to North Carolina. Roberts, who suffers from severe arthritis, has given several handicapped individuals a chance to work.

Garner Food Lion manager receives award

By Juli Denning
Associate Editor
julidenning@garnernews.net
December 31, 2003

Making one of his final trips this season, Santa stopped by Food Lion at Forest Hills Shopping Center on the Friday before Christmas to present a commendation to store manager Dave Roberts. Bequeathed on behalf of Governor Mike Easley, the inscription read, “In recognition of dedication and outstanding service to North Carolina.”

The idea, a brainchild James Phelps who is one of Santa’s helpers, came to fruition after he wrote a letter to Governor Easley asking him to openly thank Food Lion and Dave Roberts for hiring the handicapped.

“It makes me feel real good to walk into the store and see handicapped people working,” said Phelps, who suffers from severe arthritis.

“Food Lion likes to hire people with disabilities and give them an equal chance,” said Roberts. “I am very proud to be a part of this company.”

Roberts stated that Bob Jones, Food Lion’s district manager for this area, also strongly believes in giving everyone a chance and is really supportive of hiring people with disabilities.

“One of our core values is to ensure we have a diverse work force and also work with a diverse group of vendors and suppliers,” said Jeff Lowrance, Food Lion’s corporate communication manager.

He said they hoped Food Lion’s employees mirrored all their customers and people would always feel comfortable in shopping at Food Lion.

Joey Parnell, a former store manager at Food Lion on Timber Drive, also received an award for hiring the handicapped.

History of the Town of
Santa Claus, Indiana
The naming of the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.