By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 24, 2004

LE MARS - A group from the Wells Blue Bunny south plant in Le Mars have started an employee organization to help coworkers in need of assistance.

Bev Homan, a member of St. Mary's in Remsen, and Candie Palacio started this out reach group called the Third Shift about a year and a half-ago, when one Wells worker, Casmer Kraft, was struggling with cancer.

The group organized a raffle and bake sale that was open to Wells workers and people in the Le Mars area. The money that was raised went to help pay medical bills for the Kraft family.

"We just continued on from there," said Homan, president of the Third Shift and 10-year employee at Blue Bunny. "We decided we were going to help other people also."

Casmer, who worked at Wells Blue Bunny for six years, was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2002. The Third Shift helped the Kraft family financially as well as emotionally. The Krafts are parishioners at St. Mary's Church in Hawarden.

"In a personal tragedy like this you look for something good that has developed from it," said Yvonne Kraft, Casmer's wife. "I would say that this program has brought some consolation, some meaning to his sickness. It's become an outreach to other people who need help."

Casmer died recently due to complications from his illness, but his wife and family are still firm believers in the Third Shift.

"At first, it was started by these two ladies for financial reasons," said Yvonne. "There is a lot of expense diagnosed with something like cancer. More importantly, what we got out of it while he was alive was the show of support by his fellow employees as well as Blue Bunny itself. They were very awesome by donating things. It put a humanness to what is otherwise known as big business."

According to Yvonne, the Third Shift accomplished three goals while helping Casmer including the show of support and caring by other people, a financial blessing and finding a positive to come out of something that is traumatic.

"I thank God that they are reaching out to other people," said Yvonne. "I see it as a mission. I do see it as God's way of working through this organization to reach those goals."

The Third Shift also arranged for the Krafts to receive garage passes for the couple at a Nascar race. Casmer and Yvonne were able to see Casmer's favorite driver and get a picture with him. Yvonne explained that is was like Make-A-Wish for adults.

At Wells, there really is not a third shift, but the group felt it was a good name because all the things they do as the Third Shift is done on their own time.

There are about 10 to 15 employees who are part of the Third Shift. They help people with terminal illnesses or those who are going through a rough spot in their life. For example, someone who might have experienced a fire could ask the Third Shift for help.

"We've tried to do a lot of communication about who we are and what we do and represent," said Catherine Hubbard, a member of the Third Shift and a five-year employee. "I think people now know what it is and they are very supportive."

At this point, the Third Shift has helped about 10 to 15 people. Workers need only approach the Third Shift and explain the situation they are in to receive help. The employee in need is asked what they would like the Third Shift to do from them.

"You have to get a desire from somewhere," said Palacio, vice-president of the Third Shift and a four-year employee. "It doesn't just show up. God has to put the desire in your heart to want to help, and give you the compassion and empathy that it takes. He's awesome."

The group continues to do fundraisers to make sure that when someone needs help, there are funds available to assist them.

"I am a firm believer behind this Third Shift," said Homan. "I want it to grow and I know we can make it a big success."

The Third Shift will be holding a garage/rummage sale in August. Anyone who would like to donate items is welcome and the money raised will be used by the Third Shift to help Wells Blue Bunny workers. For information or to donate items, contact Hubbard at Wells at (712) 546-4000 extension 5518.