ONEIDA, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Oneida Ltd. (NYSE:OCQ) announced today that it is donating $26,514 to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies to assist in their efforts following the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.
The funding includes $13,257 donated by Oneida Ltd. employees, and an equal amount from the company to match the employee contributions.
"Our deepest prayers go out to the victims of last week's tragedy and to their families, and our full appreciation and gratitude to the many people involved in the rescue and relief work," Oneida Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter J. Kallet said. "We all share in the anguish from the attacks, and I salute the efforts of our employees to support the very difficult recovery process."
Mr. Kallet noted that a portion of the workforce contributions included money that employees had been raising to fund a year-end Christmas party. Employees asked the company to cancel the party so that the money could be donated toward relief efforts.
In a separate contribution, a combination of Oneida Ltd. employees and local residents have filled all of the available appointments to donate blood at a Red Cross bloodmobile that will be in Sherrill, N.Y., on September 27.
Oneida Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of flatware and dinnerware for both the consumer and foodservice industries worldwide. Oneida also is a leading marketer of a variety of crystal, glassware and metal serveware for those industries.