The company contributed more than $2,000 to the Halifax Community College Headstart program to help families buy presents.

It all came about because of the compassion of an HCC student who wishes to remain anonymous, the college said.

The student was interning at the HCC Early Childhood Center when she overheard the director discussing the difficulties for some of the families in the center.

The director, Eunice Hill, was trying to determine how best to help the families.

The student, who also works at KapStone during the evening shift, wrote a letter to human resources for the corporation to explain the situation.

The next day Lisa Floyd, the director of human resources for KapStone, contacted the student to get more information.

She learned the ECC serves low income families with several currently homeless as the parents struggle to make ends meet.

The employees of KapStone demonstrated generosity and collected $1,211 to help the ECC families.

To show support, KapStone matched employee donations, raising the total amount given to $2,422.

“I have been deeply impressed with the high level of commitment and compassion expressed by KapStone and others in this community,” said HCC President Michael A. Elam. “KapStone's response to the situation provided to them by one of our students is admirable. This company is a wonderful asset to our community that continually demonstrates their genuine concern for our citizens.”

Said Elam: “The contribution from KapStone is just another example of the commitment to community that is apparent in the Roanoke Valley. At least two families will have a wonderful holiday in part because of the compassion of a student and the generosity of fellow residents.”