Recognizing Melaleuca's Impact
Melaleuca joins hands with countless individuals across numerous organizations to spread our mission of "enhancing lives" and make the world brighter. These organizations include nonprofits, like The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Feeding America, St. Vincent de Paul, Caritas, and United Way. Melaleuca also partners with regional food banks and grassroots organizations like local churches and volunteer networks. On this page, you can read personal statements from leaders who have served alongside Melaleuca, the Melaleuca Foundation, Frank VanderSloot, our management team, and our Marketing Executives. Their appreciation is a reflection of the impact that Melaleuca has made in communities near and far.
Kudos from the American Red Cross
“THANKFUL THURSDAY: We would like to recognize our partners at Melaleuca for lending a hand after a series of recent disasters including Hurricane Ian in Florida, severe California flooding, and the devastating tornadoes throughout the Midwest and South. Melaleuca stepped up by donating pallets of snack bars that Red Cross is distributing in impacted communities.
“‘It’s partners like Melaleuca that allow us to respond quickly with the right resources when they’re needed most,’ said Sirak Irwin, the CEO of the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon. ‘Again and again, Melaleuca stands beside the Red Cross of Idaho during times of disaster. They have made a difference in countless lives, and we truly appreciate their support.’”
Facebook post by the Red Cross of Greater Idaho and Montana on April 13, 2023
Thanks from Michigan
“I’ve never seen a deluge like this. The damage is beyond belief. Melaleuca’s timely delivery of relief supplies has been an absolute lifesaver for these Michigan communities, and these products made a huge difference in the cleanup process. I’m so proud to be a part of an organization that truly cares about people in need.”
Melaleuca National Director 3 Jen Sebbas
Supporting Law Enforcement
“In my 30 years of law enforcement, I’ve never seen a company or business owner step forward with such a significant donation in support of the men and women who bravely serve this community, Melaleuca’s remarkable contribution not only shows strong support for the entire law enforcement family, but it also gives our hard-working deputies every advantage they need to protect the public.”
Bonneville County Sheriff Samuel Hulse
Natural Disasters
“I have heard about the Melaleuca Foundation being there for people in times of need, but to watch it firsthand was an incredible experience. It was amazing to witness the heart of the Melaleuca Foundation and see their motivation was simply to help people. Not because they wanted recognition, but because they cared. In lightning time, boxes and boxes and boxes of supplies arrived to be donated. I couldn’t stop crying hearing of how appreciative the people were and how much of a difference the products made to them.”
Melaleuca National Director Chelsie Gilbert
Maui Wildfires
“In the midst of turmoil, Melaleuca came to our rescue by delivering food and grooming products for those staying in our emergency shelters. Both the speed and quality of Melaleuca’s donation were a breath of fresh air, offering hope and a reminder that we’re not alone. We appreciate their compassion to our crisis.”
Paul McDonald (led a shelter that housed hundreds of people after the Maui wildfires)
Supporting First Responders
“Valiant men and women are working around the clock to fight this fire, and they’re absolutely exhausted. These Colorado firefighters need all the support they can get, and these donated Melaleuca products will go a long way in helping them perform an extremely dangerous task.”
Melaleuca Executive Director 3 Melinda Lough
Supporting the Military
“Melaleuca was nominated for the Patriot Award for being highly supportive of their Army Guardsmen, including SPC Nathan Johnson. Supportive employers like Melaleuca are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
Scott Reese, Idaho ESGR Chair Emeritus
Supporting the Military
“Melaleuca is a great example of a military-friendly company that takes care of its soldiers. Its leadership team has created a culture that encourages military service, values soldiers for their courageous work and supports them all the way through. They appreciate the sacrifices made in defense of our country, and they offer remarkable benefits when those soldiers are called for active duty service.”
George Hames, retired Senior Chief Petty Officer who served as Idaho’s ESGR public affairs director.
Partnering with the American Red Cross
“Melaleuca is a wonderful example of a company that cares about humanity and helping those in need. They have repeatedly come to the rescue during times of disaster and have made a difference in countless lives. We’re grateful for Melaleuca’s support in helping the American Red Cross accomplish our mission of preventing human suffering in the face of disaster.”
Nicole Sirak Irwin, regional CEO of the Red Cross of Greater Idaho and Montana
Supporting Law Enforcement
“We are grateful to Frank and Melaleuca for recognizing our need and for graciously offering space to help alleviate some of those needs while more permanent options are pursued,”
Idaho Falls Police Chief Bryce Johnson
Sponsoring Scouting for Food
“Melaleuca has provided an outstanding example of community service. Their sponsorship has allowed Scouting for Food to make a difference in many lives. Not only does it fill food pantries throughout the area, but it also provides valuable life lessons such as helping people at all times and giving back to others.”
Clarke Farrer, Scout executive of the BSA’s Grand Teton Council
Empowering Women in the Workplace
“Melaleuca is committed to supporting women in the workplace. We look forward to seeing Melaleuca’s continued efforts in helping working women achieve their professional goals.”
Dr. David Adler, President of the Alturas Institute
Feeding the Hungry
“We are grateful for the kindness and generosity of Melaleuca employees. This donation from employees and the Melaleuca Foundation will make a significant impact in the lives of Idahoans who are facing food insecurity.”
Kia Shaw, Eastern Branch Manager for The Idaho Foodbank
Hurricane Katrina
“Frank and his company showed the world the caliber of the people and businesses we have in the state of Idaho. Melaleuca saw their own kin in the eyes of Hurricane Katrina’s victims and … opened its pocketbook, opened its heart and saved lives. They were heroes.”
Idaho Lt. Governor Jim Risch
Natural Disasters
“We’ve been sending out aid from this facility for a long time, so for our employees, emergency response is just part of the job description. It’s a humbling experience to place one of our products in a box knowing that the person it goes to is suffering through one of the worst experiences of their life. If a Simply Fit Bar feeds a hungry child or an Attain Bar gives someone the energy they need to keep going, then we’ve made a difference.”
Teri Williams, Melaleuca’s Vice President of East Coast Operations
Cleaning Up the Community
“We’ve never had such a large volunteer group in our city’s history, our community is appreciative of the Melaleuca organization and their willingness to undertake this large-scale service project. The enthusiasm of their volunteers was electric.”
Renee Buchan, volunteer coordinator at the City of Idaho Falls
Improving the Economy
“We cannot thank Frank enough for his heartfelt contributions, many made in private, across our region. Frank is a great role model, true innovator, and builder of ecosystems—systems that make the Eastern Idaho region a great place to live and work.”
Teresa McKnight, CEO of REDI
Kudos for Frank VanderSloot
“Those who choose to follow Mr. VanderSloot’s example will not only find themselves successful in business but will also find ways to give back to those who have helped them along the way. His actions show that he truly appreciates his employees and the communities they call home. I think he exemplifies the definition of icon and is deserving of the ICON award.”
Will Jenson, Idaho economist
Partnering with the American Red Cross
“This new vehicle, which was partially donated by Melaleuca, will deliver the supplies and comfort families need at a time when they are most vulnerable. It has features like WiFi, large feeder windows and external lighting that will help our teams better serve their communities during difficult times.”
Scott Davis, American Red Cross Disaster Program Manager
As a result of the donation, Melaleuca was the only company to have its logo branded on this American Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle.
Feeding the Hungry
“Melaleuca’s generous donation ends our capital campaign to raise the funds needed to pay off the mortgage of our food storage warehouse, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. After 42 years, our food donations now have a permanent home, and this has been made possible by generous partners such as Melaleuca and its employees.”
Ariel Jackson, Executive Director of Community Food Basket Idaho Falls
Kudos for Frank VanderSloot
“Frank VanderSloot is not only an ICON of Idaho business but an ICON of all that makes Idaho great, his business success has allowed him to achieve even greater success as he gives back to our community and communities across the globe.”
Chip Schwarze, President and CEO of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
Improving Education
“The Idaho Technology Council applauds Melaleuca’s program to teach computer science and coding to Idaho high school students, inspiring them to enhance their technology skills. This is an innovative way for students to receive STEM education and prepare them for the opportunities of the future.”
Jay Larsen, ITC President and CEO
Supporting the 4-H Program
“Melaleuca and Frank VanderSloot have always been great supporters of 4-H for many years. We sincerely appreciate this $275,000 donation, which will help us build a new event center for our region’s youth.”
Bryon Reed, Bonneville County Commissioner
Kudos for Frank VanderSloot
"It’s clear that Frank’s commitment to enhancing lives has never wavered. By honoring Frank as a Hometown Hero and recording his charitable impact, we showcase our rich history as a community full of generous citizens who are passionate about preserving our place in America. We are proud to call him a Hometown Hero.”
Rosemarie Doxie, Bonneville County Heritage Association vice chair
Kudos for Frank VanderSloot
“Frank epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit, and I’m pleased that he could share a few words of wisdom with our business students.”
Arthur Vailas, Idaho State University President
Kudos for Frank VanderSloot
“Frank VanderSloot exemplifies the 12 points of the Scout law. He is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. In our experience with Frank, he exemplifies all of those virtues, values and principles that Boy Scouts live by.”
Clarke Farrer, Grand Teton Council CEO
Feeding the Hungry
“These food drives were record-setters and couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s because of the innovative way that Melaleuca contributed by creating widespread attention that these food drives were successful. We’re fortunate to have a partner like Melaleuca who amplified this message so people knew about the need and responded so quickly.”
Ariel Jackson, Executive Director of the Community Food Basket
Partnering with the Salvation Army
“We are so thankful for the Melaleuca Foundation’s contribution to the community and specifically to the Salvation Army. I can’t emphasize how grateful I am to have a charitable partner in Melaleuca that provides help when there is great need. Melaleuca is a complete blessing, not only to the Salvation Army but to the greater community.”
Captain John Birks, administrator of the Idaho Falls Salvation Army
Hurricane Helene
"Please share our heartfelt sentiments with your team for the financial and product donations we received as support for the Help After Helene Relief Effort. We are profoundly grateful for Melaleuca's generous support. As the number of East Tennesseans facing food insecurity continues to rise, Melaleuca's financial gift of $25,000 and 1,500 pounds of donated beef product is crucial in the fight to end hunger. With your compassion, we can provide meals, food, security, and hope for our neighbors experiencing hunger."
Kristi Rule, Senior Manager of Strategic Giving at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Natural Disasters
"I want to extend our sincere appreciation for your generous donation to the flood relief efforts in Newport! It has been extremely humbling that so many people like you have thought of us and the needs of our community during this devastating time. Rest assured; your donation will go to those who need it most in order that they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives. Getting a call all the way from Idaho was humbling and very appreciative of your organization. Thank you for thinking of us, praying for us and for your giving heart."
Pastor Rick Clevenger, Crossroads Community Church in Newport, Tennessee
Hurricane Helene
“I’m reaching out to express our heartfelt gratitude to you and the entire Melaleuca team for the way you have come alongside our disaster response efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. Our staff have been eager to convey their thanks, so they created a video to capture our deep appreciation. On behalf of MANNA FoodBank and our neighbors across Western North Carolina, thank you!
Olivia Onderlinde, Corporate Engagement Manager of MANNA Foodbank in Asheville, North Carolina