SOMO News

Paul Meyer and his brother Ken enjoyed weight lifting together.  When Ken moved away to college, Paul continued his lifting routine on his own.  In 2009, Paul’s dad discovered that Special Olympics had a weight lifting program, and Paul began working with a Special Olympics coach at the YMCA in Festus two to three days a week.  His favorite event is the bench press, where Paul can press an impressive 300 pounds. 

Terri Dallas, Leisure Services Coordinator for Next Step for Life, encouraged Paul to apply for a job at Shop ’n Save, and in August of 2011, Paul began working at the South County store.  He enjoys working outdoors, especially when the weather turns cool.  Paul also has an interest in bocce ball and is considering learning the sport.

Steve Holley has participated in Special Olympics for more than 30 years.  He plays softball in the summer, but his true passion is bowling – and he has the trophies and medals to show for it!  On Saturday mornings, you can find Steve at Crest Bowl, where he maintains his 212 average.  The youngest sibling of three sisters, Steve lives independently at Kensington Square Apartments in Florissant and takes a bus to work at the Flower Valley Shop ’n Save.  In fact, Steve recently celebrated his 10th anniversary as an associate there.  Prior to working at Shop ’n Save, Steve had worked at a local hotel, but he prefers the interaction with customers and fellow associates that he enjoys at Shop ’n Save.  “I like the other workers and my bosses,” he says.  “I keep the carts caught up during the day and help anybody that needs my help with their groceries or their cart.”  Now the senior courtesy clerk, Steve helps new associates learn their job duties.  “I show them the right way to bring in carts and make sure they wear their safety vest.”

Shop ’n Save is proud to include special athletes as part of our team.  Their contribution is a valued element of our focus to deliver outstanding service to our customers.  Under the leadership of President Marlene Gebhard, Shop ’n Save developed a corporate partnership with Special Olympics Missouri, and today we are one of SOMO’s primary sponsors.  Working with local organizations like SOMO allows us to see how our donations are being put to work and allows us to be personally involved.  Many of our managers and associates volunteer their time in fundraising efforts and as buddies and helpers at the Area Spring Games.  Supporting local charities is important to us as a corporate citizen, and our partnership with Special Olympics is part of our commitment to the communities that we serve.

– Paul Warden, Operations Communication Manager, Shop ’n Save