The Austin Public Schools District received money for supplies on Friday morning.

The Hormel Austin Plant Helping Hands Committee presented a check to Austin Public Schools today for $1,042 to go toward school supplies for the upcoming school year.

Superintendent David Krenz was at the Austin Plant north lobby to receive the donation.

“Every year it’s just fantastic how the community steps up to help students,” Krenz said. “I know the supplies are well needed and well utilized.”

The Helping Hands Committee consists of members who work for the Hormel company and is open for anyone to join. There are over 20 members currently. Hormel Plant Manager Tim Fritz presented the check to Krenz on behalf of the committee. Krenz was appreciative of the donation and work from the members.

“It’s all about the individual employees here raising the money, which is very meaningful,” Krenz said.

The money will go into a school supplies account, where it will be used by educators to purchase any needed supplies for the school year.

Members of the Helping Hands Committee were in attendance Friday morning, and were excited to present the donation. Rod Ryks was excited to give help where it was needed.

“We’re just one committee trying to help,” Ryks said.

The committee also donates time and money to other fundraisers and organizations throughout the year, including Paint the Town Pink, Adopt a Family, Relay for Life, the food shelf, both food and blood drives, and they provide money to various disaster reliefs initiatives.

“Whatever we can do to help,” Ryks said.