Owens Corning donates 288 school supply kits to Tiffin City Schools

Owens Corning donates 288 school supply kits to Tiffin City Schools

[Aug. 17, 2026 – Tiffin, OH] - Owens Corning's Tiffin facility donated 288 school supply kits to Tiffin City Schools on Friday, ahead of the district's first day of school on Aug. 25.

The donation, valued at nearly $6,000, includes 144 kits for students in pre-K through grade 5 and 144 for students in grades 6-12. Each kit contains a backpack, notebooks, writing supplies and other grade-level items.

The donation came together through the plant’s employee wellness committee, which had extra room in its budget this year for community projects. Committee member Alesha Van Beveren, a 2012 Columbian graduate with children in second and fourth grade in the district, championed the school supply idea.

"We do so much to help adults, and it was so nice to do something for the kids, because they matter most," Van Beveren said. "When you’re starting out in life, you should feel valued and appreciated, and something as simple as a new bookbag can really make a difference for a kid."

Owens Corning employees assembled the kits themselves before delivering them to the district.

"Owens Corning wanted to give back to the community and to our schools," said Brandy Duling, an HR professional at the company’s Tiffin facility. "Our employees put these kits together themselves, and knowing they’ll help Tiffin students start the year ready means a lot to our whole team."

The kits will be distributed to school buildings across the district and will be available throughout the year for students who need supplies. Families with questions can contact their child’s school.

"We’re grateful to Owens Corning and to Alesha for bringing this idea forward," Superintendent Greg Williamson said. "Support like this helps our students start the year ready to learn. On behalf of our students, staff and families, thank you."

Duling, Plant Leader Matt Elmlinger, Operations Leader Patricia Perkins and Environmental Health and Safety Leader Todd Baughman helped unload Friday’s delivery alongside Williamson and Assistant Superintendent Bob Boes. The donation will be formally accepted at the Tiffin City Schools Board of Education meeting on Aug. 24.

Community members and organizations interested in supporting Tiffin City Schools students can contact the district's community engagement office at (419) 618-5306 or via email at jimmy_flint@tiffincityschools.org.