Employees and customers of the family-owned and operated Beck Suppliers partnered with Project Noelle to help the non-profit provide toys to children affected by the opioid epidemic.

Brian Beck Sr., Vice President of FriendShip and company co-owner, helped to provide Christmas to 48 boys and girls in partner with Project Noelle.

Beck Suppliers corporate office and its FriendShip store #94 located just down the street at 914 W. State St., Fremont, are making this Christmas a little brighter for 48 children. Employees and customers of the family-owned and operated company partnered with Project Noelle to help the non-profit provide toys to children affected by the opioid epidemic.

Project Noelle was founded by Keli Clark to assist families affected by the opioid epidemic when she found herself raising twin grandsons after losing her daughter, Noelle, to opioid addiction in 2017. At that time, there was very little help available, so Clark launched a non-profit in her daughter’s memory in order to raise awareness and to offer assistance to as many families as possible that are affected. In addition to losing her daughter, Clark also lost her son, Michael to addiction on Sept. 1, 2021.

The idea to support Project Noelle came from Patty Carnicom, a Fremont resident and long-term Customer Service Representative with Beck Propane & Fuels.

“Knowing how much Keli has endured and the important work her organization performs, I was excited to suggest this collaboration to company leadership,” explained Carnicom. “I have worked for Beck Suppliers for nearly 20 years and continue to be amazed with the ever-growing generosity and commitment the family has shown to the communities it serves.”

Beck Suppliers and FriendShip stores support many causes, but this particular one and the way it has brought together employees and customers, meant a lot to Brian Beck Sr., Vice President of FriendShip and company co-owner.

Patty Carnicom, Customer Service Representative with Beck Suppliers, and Keli Clark, Founder of Project Noelle.

“We encourage our employees to let us know about the needs of their local communities and we support many of them each year,” said Beck. “Project Noelle felt different to me, as it required both a financial and time commitment for each participant to adopt a child and go out shopping for presents from their child’s wish list. It is hard to put into words how proud I am of the selflessness and caring of our team members.”

Project Noelle is a growing non-profit organization currently serving 27 counties in Ohio and Florida. Clark was excited to add another local business partner to the Adopt a Child program.

“Everyone at Beck Suppliers and FriendShip have been so awesome and we are so lucky they wanted to help our kids in the community,” said Clark. “Thank you to all their employees and customers for showing what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.”

FriendShip Store #94 General Manager Laura Bowers was very excited to be asked to sponsor an Adopt a Child board and spread the word to her team and her customers.

“I’m so excited myself for Christmas morning for these kids,” exclaimed Bowers, a 15-year company veteran. “I am certainly proud to work for Beck Suppliers.”

Project Noelle provides Christmas assistance, Easter baskets, back to school haircuts, and emergency clothing and diaper supplies. It hosts support groups and special events. Keli Clark is available for speaking engagements. More information can be found at projectnoelle.com.