Gates Corporation makes $10,000 donation to United Cancer Assistance Network

An unexpected gift of $10,000 arrived this week for the United Cancer Assistance Network from Gates Corporation in Poplar Bluff.

Executive Director Melody Chailland received a telephone call Wednesday from Rod Terrell, Gates human resource director in Poplar Bluff, saying a surprise was coming by FedEx.

“Terrell said, ‘Hey, you’re going to be getting a check from us for a very significant amount,” Chailland explained, to which she asked, “Aren’t you going to tell me how much? He goes. ‘No, I want you to be surprised,’ and a couple of hours later, we had FedEx deliver us a check for $10,000.”

Chailland’s response was, “That was one heck of a way to kick off 2023,” especially since all the money used by UCAN is raised locally.

“They let all the employees of Gates Corporation — Poplar Bluff vote and they chose us,” Chailland said.

She said it makes her feel good about what the charity is doing.

“It was cool because the employees voted. It wasn’t like we submitted a grant and corporate made that decision. They let their employees vote at the end of last year,” she said.

According to Chailland, the letter arriving with the check said, “Your organization has been personally selected by members of the Gates Poplar Bluff because of the amazing work you do within the community. We recognize our local communities are the background of our organizations. We want to thank you for the wonderful work you do.”

UCAN serves cancer patients living within Butler, Stoddard, Wayne or Ripley counties.

She recalls in December being asked to provide information to Gates so “we could possibly get funding” from the company’s community grant.

UCAN funds assist local cancer patients financially in the form of fuel cards, nutrition, utilities, wigs and transportation. While UCAN fills a financial gap, the program is designed to provide individualized support for patients. When patients come into the office, they are greeted by volunteers whose lives have been touched by cancer. Often developing personal relationships, volunteers and patients uplift each other during visits, members have said.

Since UCAN is a 501(c)3 organization, donations are tax-deductible. Anyone wanting to make donations or memorials may mail or drop them by the office at 2620 N Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO., 63901-3396.