United donates pumpkins for annual contest

United Supermarkets of Breckenridge held its 2nd annual pumpkin painting contest last Wednesday, Oct. 26 at East Elementary and Thursday, Oct. 27 at South Elementary.

Each child attending pre-k through 5th grade was provided a pumpkin to decorate, with one winner from each grade being selected and given a bag with assorted Halloween-themed prizes. Students, depending on age, were given markers or paint and glitter to decorate their individual pumpkin. Teachers, parents, guardians and employees of United were in attendance both days to help the students as needed.

In total, 805 small pumpkins were donated to the elementary schools. Purchase of the pumpkins was sponsored by donations. United Supermarkets donated $1,000, First National Bank of Breckenridge donated $400, and Les and Sherry Strickland of the Breckenridge Rotary Club donated $100.

United Supermarkets store director Raymond Quillin was present during the contest and said it was the idea was initially former store director Tanner Taylor’s idea.

“It was Tanner’s project. Something he really wanted to do,” Quillin said. “It turned out to be a lot of fun and I definitely want it to be something we continue to do every year for the kids.”