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Making A Difference: Rallying Around Former Hitachi Employees

Posted at 6:27 PM, Oct 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-26 18:27:47-04

MERCER COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– Several weeks after they were laid off, dozens of former Hitachi employees are still looking to get back on their feet.

This was evident Friday at a job fair in Harrodsburg, which was organized in response to the layoffs. What garnered the attention of most through was the kindness of others. A local church distributed $13,000 worth of gift cards at the event.

It took place at the Mercer County Library.

Former Hitachi employee Hope Pankey has chosen to keep her head up, despite the crushing news that upended her life earlier this month. She was one of approximately 100 people laid off by Hitachi.

“The fear of not having a job and not paying your bills, that’s been kind of scary,” she said.

She’s heartened by the way the community has rallied around her and former co-workers.

“I think Harrodsburg Baptist Church has gone above and beyond for such a small community,” said Pankey.

The news of the layoffs prompted action. Pastor Paul Gibson and the Harrodsburg Baptist Church started the HBC Hearts Hitachi Campaign and they raised $13,000 in gift cards which were handed out at the event.

“We want to help them beyond just saying we’re going to help them, but actually showing them we’re going to be there for them,” said Gibson.