By John Bailey
With everyone counting pennies these days, it was good timing and a generous moment at the end of July,
when Shurtape Technologies gave away office furniture to 
nine local non-profits.
The company had opened a new distribution center in Catawba and wanted to find new homes for the furniture they were not taking with them. Shurtape reached out to the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) to help organize the giveaway. The CCUW announced the opportunity through its community partners network.
“The cabinetry, filing drawers and large desks were a substantial upgrade from what we have been using in our offices,” Sipe’s Orchard Home Human Resources Assistant Ken Bullard said. “Our administrative areas are greatly improved in both appearance and functionality.”
Sipe’s Orchard Home got three large desks, a small desk, four cabinets and one metal file cabinet. The cost savings for them was around $5,000.
“The cabinetry, filing drawers and large desks were a substantial upgrade from what we have been using in our offices,” Sipe’s Orchard Home Human Resources Assistant Ken Bullard said. “Our administrative areas are greatly improved in both appearance and functionality.”
Sipe’s Orchard Home got three large desks, a small desk, four cabinets and one metal file cabinet. The cost savings for them was around $5,000.
Overall, 62 items were picked up by the nine local non-profits: The Salvation Army, Sipes, Walk With Me, Family Guidance, Integrated Care of Hickory, Adult Life, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, Cognitive Connection and Neighbors Network. The office furniture included office desks, conference tables, paintings, storage cabinets and chairs.
This was the second time in the last year Shurtape has donated furniture to local non-profits.
The Catawba County United Way is dedicated to increasing the organized capacity of people to help others, connecting resources with needs. For more information about the CCUW visit ccunitedway.com or call 828-327-6851.