The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult on everyone and representatives from Tyson Foods and the Iowa Pork Producers Association came together Tuesday to thank the community of Perry for their support throughout the pandemic.

Plenty of people gathered at the Hotel Pattee Tuesday for a “Thank You” event including Plant Manager of the Tyson plant in Perry Dan Richardson. Richardson says throughout the coronavirus pandemic Tyson Foods partnered with the community which has helped during the pandemic.

“Overall, I’ve been here a year and so far I know Perry is a wonderful community. All of the businesses are willing to chip in and help out. We’ve all probably overcome a lot of things through this pandemic but I think through just good communication and understanding  I think all the businesses and the producers, we did well together.”

Throughout the event on Tuesday multiple organizations and individuals throughout the community gave thanks to those who have been supporters during the pandemic. One of those who gave thanks was Perry Area Food Pantry Site Manager Lou Hoger who also accepted a gift of more than 2,000 pork meals to the food pantry.

“It gives me a great sense of security because we always wonder our donations are going to come from, if they are going to come and are they going to keep us ahead of the game so to speak. Commitments like this from Tyson or from individuals, wherever they come from, that just allows us to concentrate on service rather than trying to find stuff, find food commodities or find resources, it motivates us because we know the community is behind us.”

Throughout the event other members of the community were also recognized including Perry Police Sergeant Jim Archer and the Perry Police Department, Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds and the Perry Fire Department and Nate Brokaw and Larry Vodenik from Hy-Vee among many other community members and organizations.