Morgan Olson donates truck to United Way

STURGIS - Morgan Olson donated a community support response vehicle to the St. Joseph County United Way to celebrate the 20th year of operation at the company's step van production facility in Sturgis.

The gift, valued at $125,000, was made to the United Way Saturday, Aug. 5.

Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the St. Joseph County United Way, said the organization appreciates the generosity of Morgan Olson and Freightliner Custom Chassis, which worked together to make the donation possible.

"One-third of the gifts we receive as an organization are raised from community events," Hostetler said. "This vehicle allows us to be event-ready, keep our boots on the ground, and engage in the community. To have it donated by the partnership between Morgan Olson and Freightliner Customer Chassis is a dream come true for the United Way and our community."

Mike Ownbey, Morgan Olson's CEO and president, said the company's team takes pride in its work to provide vans to communities across the country.

"Our step vans help people in many ways and are essential in delivering life-saving supplies," Ownbey said. "This particular step van we're donating today is the first community support response vehicle of its kind and will help the United Way help our community."

Hassan Hammoud, president and CEO of the Michigan Association of United Ways, said the van donation reflects Morgan Olson's commitment to being a community leader and desire to help serve on the frontlines.

"This state-of-the-art response vehicle will help St. Joseph County United Way deliver community services more effectively than ever before - bringing real, tangible services to all corners of St. Joseph County.”

Morgan Olson is a $600 million company with additional plants in Loudon, Tennessee, and Ringgold, Virginia.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Morgan Olson donates truck to United Way