An International Falls retired couple recently received a free $50 gas card for their volunteering.
Jane and Tom Barthell have given their time to a number of charitable organizations over the years, including Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity, said Tom Barthell, who downplayed their work. For years, his wife also was a department head for Koochiching County Community Services, he said.
Jenell Feller, coordinator of the Occupational Development Center, where Tom Barthell delivers meals, nominated the couple for Cenex gas stations’ giving program, the former longtime Boise Inc. employee said.
She was able to recognize the Barthells through “Tanks of Thanks,” according to a news release from Cenex and its parent company, CHS Inc., of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
“Congratulations to Jane and and Tom Barthell, and thank you for your contributions to the community,” said Ann Mann, spokeswoman for CHS Inc., in a news release.
For years, the company will award the cards to 100 nominees every month. And Cenex retailers also can hand out cards to people they see helping others.
To nominate someone for an act of kindness, “big or small,” go online to www.TanksofThanks.com, the release stated.
