ST. PAUL, MN (INGERSOLL RAND NEWS SERVICE) -- The idea of Dual Citizenship took on an added community relations impact in the Twin Cities of Minnesota recently with a competition between employees of Trane Commercial Systems (TCS) and Thermo King.

Employees from the TCS facility in St. Paul and the Thermo King operation in Minneapolis competed in a weeklong "Cram the Van" challenge to see which business could do the best job filling their respective service van with school supplies, food and basic necessities for local United Way agencies.

Both the Thermo King and Trane facilities have historically been longtime supporters of the United Way, and the competition inspired employees from both locations to help support the Greater Twin Cities United Way together in a great example of Dual Citizenship and "Living United."

Throughout the week of August 24-28, employees at both locations brought in nonperishable food items and school supplies, which were then collected and deposited in each location's van. Creative campaigns to generate additional cash to purchase items also were held at both facilities – a Minnesota Twins ticket raffle at Thermo King and a head-shaving challenge in St. Paul.

As a result of the campaign, and following a formal weigh-in ceremony at the Thermo King facility on Monday, August 31, more than 1,800 pounds of nonperishable food items donated by both organizations went to Merrick Community Center Food Shelf. In addition, a van full of school supplies went to Family & Children Services of the Twin Cities.

And while the Trane St. Paul team will proudly display the "Cram the Van" trophy for this year, the Thermo King team has vowed to be back next year to carry the trophy to Minneapolis. But the real winners in this friendly competition are the people in the community.

"Congratulations and thank you to all involved! What an outstanding model of collaboration and philanthropy for the rest of us and our other partners. You can be sure our staff will be spreading the news of your efforts. We are relying on this type of community response to address the still escalating needs in our cities and neighborhoods this year. Thanks for setting the bar high and demonstrating this leadership! Your efforts will inspire others to do the same! "

            – Randi S. N. Yoder, senior vice president, Donor Relations, Greater Twin Cities United Way

"Fantastic! What a wonderful way to bring Ingersoll Rand's two new sister companies together in a friendly competition for our community. Great enthusiasm and camaraderie! Thank you on behalf of families who will have food to eat and the children who will have school supplies next week when they return to school ready to learn."

            – Biz O'Mara, United Way workplace consultant