DETROIT, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) and UAW
Local 163 yesterday announced its intention to partner with Redford Township
to help the hurricane-devastated community of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.
To kick off the project, DDC and Redford Township gathered at the former
Redford Township Library to send-off a DDC truck filled with donations from
Redford residents and Detroit Diesel employees to Plaquemines Parish. Items
collected to help those in need included non-perishable food items and
cleaning supplies, as well as new and gently used clothing and household items.
"Detroit Diesel is committed to contributing to the communities where we
live and work," explained Chris Snodgrass, Detroit Diesel Director of
Operations. "In light of the extraordinary devastation suffered earlier this
year by our neighbors in the south, we were compelled to expand our scope.
Together with the UAW Local 163 and Redford Township, we intend to work with
Plaquemines Parish over the long-term to identify ways in which we can help
during this challenging time."
DDC provided a truck -- powered by its flagship Series 60(R) engine -- as
well as a driver to transport the donated items to Plaquemines Parish, and
covered the fuel costs for the trip.
"The UAW Local 163 is happy to support this joint effort to help the
residents of Plaquemines Parish as they face the challenge of rebuilding
their community," said Joe Street, UAW Local 163 Chairman. "The UAW places a
high importance on giving back to our communities, and our membership is eager
to help in whatever way they can. In fact, one of our own UAW employees
volunteered for the special assignment to drive the truck to Louisiana."
Donations collected from Redford Township residents at the former Redford
Township library also filled the truck bound for Plaquemines Parish.
"The residents of Redford have already demonstrated their generosity and
concern for our neighbors in the south as evidenced by the outpouring of
donations we received," explained R. Miles Handy, Redford Township Supervisor.
"In addition to the items being loaded on the truck today, Redford residents
also donated $20,000, which was sent to Plaquemines Parish in November. We
are looking forward to partnering with Detroit Diesel and the UAW on this
project and are grateful for the transportation to ensure that these donated
items reach those who need them most."
Plaquemines Parish is Louisiana's southernmost parish and is located just
southeast of New Orleans. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, Plaquemines Parish
is almost completely surrounded by water and suffered severe destruction from
both hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Prior to the storms, Plaquemines Parish had
more than 28,000 residents. Much of the community was completely destroyed
including more than 10,000 private residences, countless businesses, and most
of the Parish's community/government buildings including schools, libraries,
and community centers. For more information about Plaquemines Parish, visit
http://www.plaqueminesparish.com/ .
Detroit Diesel Corporation is the leading manufacturer of on-highway
heavy-duty diesel engines for the commercial truck market. The company offers
a complete line of engines from 170 to 515 horsepower for the on-highway and
vocational markets. Through its corporate headquarters in Detroit, Michigan,
Detroit Diesel is engaged in the design, manufacture, sale, and service of
these products, in addition to supporting alternative and hybrid engine
strategies for the commercial truck marketplace. Detroit Diesel is a
subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler and part of the Freightliner group of companies.
SOURCE Detroit Diesel Corporation
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