7-Eleven Employee's Baby Gets Check for $711
BAY CITY, Mich. -- Erin Kappen, an employee at the 7-Eleven convenience store in Essexville, Mich., received a check for $711 on Monday simply because her baby boy, Parker John VanWormer, weighed in at 7 pounds, 11 ounces upon his arrival on Oct. 4.
Kappen, 22, of Bay City, learned of the award last week. "I had no idea they were going to give me a check," said Kappen, who's been a part-time employee at the store for about 18 months. "I never knew that they had a program like that."
Any associate of Garb-Ko Inc., a licensee of 7-Eleven convenience stores, who has a baby weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces receives the $711 gift.
Not only was the gift a first for Kappen, it was a first for her boss, as well. "I think it's the first time it has ever happened in Bay City," said Jack MacKenzie, franchisee of the Essexville 7-Eleven. MacKenzie said he's happy for Kappen because she has been off work for about six weeks and hasn't received a paycheck during that time.
Kappen said she and her boyfriend, Shawn VanWormer, Parker's father, are grateful for the gift. She said she hopes to use a portion of the money to open a bank account for Parker and pay some bills.
Larry Hauck, director of marketing for Garb-Ko Inc., said the company gives out the award more often than people might think. "It's not something that happens every day, but through the 26 years that I have been with this company, it has happened several times," he said.
Kappen, 22, of Bay City, learned of the award last week. "I had no idea they were going to give me a check," said Kappen, who's been a part-time employee at the store for about 18 months. "I never knew that they had a program like that."
Any associate of Garb-Ko Inc., a licensee of 7-Eleven convenience stores, who has a baby weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces receives the $711 gift.
Not only was the gift a first for Kappen, it was a first for her boss, as well. "I think it's the first time it has ever happened in Bay City," said Jack MacKenzie, franchisee of the Essexville 7-Eleven. MacKenzie said he's happy for Kappen because she has been off work for about six weeks and hasn't received a paycheck during that time.
Kappen said she and her boyfriend, Shawn VanWormer, Parker's father, are grateful for the gift. She said she hopes to use a portion of the money to open a bank account for Parker and pay some bills.
Larry Hauck, director of marketing for Garb-Ko Inc., said the company gives out the award more often than people might think. "It's not something that happens every day, but through the 26 years that I have been with this company, it has happened several times," he said.