Employees at Tarkett’s Florence, Ala. plant are giving back through the company's  “Tarkett Gives Back” program, which focuses on establishing a positive presence in the community by helping those who cannot help themselves, according to Derrica Poole, special projects coordinator for Tarkett in Florence.

Recently, Tarkett contacted the local Veterans Administration in Tuscumbia, Ala. to find a veteran who might need assistance. After reviewing several cases, Tarkett selected the home of veteran James Tuttle and his wife, Joyce. While he uses a walker, Tuttle has been bound to a wheelchair since an illness earlier this year.

To honor the local veteran as part of the event called "Christmas in July," about 20 Tarkett team members gathered at Tuttle’s home to perform several projects, primarily building a wheelchair ramp to make his home more handicap accessible. In addition to the wheelchair ramp, the employees also spruced up the outside of the home with landscaping work.

"I nearly passed out when I found out about it because there's so much that needed to be done," said Tuttle's wife, Joyce. "It was very, very much needed. Sometimes he can use his walker to get around, but the wheelchair ramp is a godsend."  Her husband, James chimed in, "They are just a bunch of people who are working together good. They're doing a great job and have saved me a lot of work."

"It's meaningful that Tarkett employees have given their time to help people," said Derrica. "We want Tarkett to be known not only as a great employer that supplies flooring, but also as a good steward. It means more to us just to see the look on their faces."

The company's employees are also involved in events and charities facilitated by St. Jude Children's research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Toys-for-Tots and local food drives, added Derrica.

“It means a lot to see the reaction from those, like the Tuttles, who Tarkett helps. It's worth all the effort we put into it just to see them beaming from ear to ear and it's a good group of people who have donated their time to help others," said Seth Brickner, director of operations at Tarkett.

For more information, visit tarkettna.com.