Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Each year DePuy participates in the 4-H livestock auction in a unique way.
Families from DePuy donate their own livestock to be auctioned off as part of this educational program, according to Jessica Masuga, communications manager at DePuy.
"The 4-H program involves a year's worth of work by the children who belong to 4-H. They learn a number of valuable life skills and lessons about how to raise livestock."
When DePuy bid on animals during the 4-H auction this year, the "proceeds" were sent to the Salvation Army to be processed and distributed to needy Kosciusko County families.
"Our pantry has been fairly low on food lately so any kind of donation we get, especially the donation of meat, is very welcome," said Ken Locke of the Salvation Army.
"We do this quite often with different groups. We appreciate the donation and the support of our pantry."
DePuy bidders purchased the lambs shown by Steve Messmore, 16, of the Pierceton Hayseeds 4-H Club. He's a sophomore at Whitko High School and a FFA member. This is Messmore's sixth year of showing sheep at the fair.
A pig also was purchased by DePuy bidders. The exhibit belonged to Sam Silor, 9, of the Silver Lake Ramblin' Farmers 4-H Club. Silor attends Jefferson Elementary School. This is Sam's first year in 4-H.
The pig weighed 267 pounds. The combined weight of the two lambs was 255 pounds.
"Supporting the communities where we work and live has been a part of DePuy's heritage for more than a century and is an important part of our credo as a Johnson and Johnson company," said Earle Hanlin, DePuy's vice president of human resources.
