Cargill recently presented a Cargill Cares Volunteer Award to Laina Rajala and Debra Schatz of Albert Lea for their outstanding volunteer service, according to a news release.

Rajala has volunteered 10 years at Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, currently serving as Girl Scout troop leader, while, Schatz has volunteered 20 years at Boy Scouts of America Twin Valley No. 283, serving as a Cub Scout den leader.

To recognize their commitment to youth in the community, Cargill donated $2,500 to Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys and $2,500 to Boy Scouts of America Twin Valley No. 283.

Rajala and Schatz are among a special group of Cargill employees and retirees around the world to receive a Cargill Cares Volunteer Award since its inception in 1998,” Maria Wedel, general manager for Cargill‚ said. Cargill is a meat processing facility in Albert Lea.

Volunteerism has been an important part of the company’s culture since it was founded in rural Iowa in 1865, and it is believed that volunteerism is one way in which the company can invest in communities where they have a presence.

The Cargill Cares Volunteer Awards program is one way to recognize and thank Cargill employees for their important contribution to our communities, and they are pleased to recognize the efforts made by Rajala and Schatz.