Legislator surprises special needs employee

Disability Employment Awareness Month is coming to an end, but it’s still going strong.

One Albertsons employee got a visit from an Idaho legislator for Take Your Legislator to Work Day. This is in an effort to keep Development Workshop up and running for people with special needs like courtesy clerk Eric Thornock.

“I like doing bagging because it’s fun and I can meet customers and I can give them more customer service,” said Thornock.

Thornock has been a proud member of the Albertsons family for almost 20 years. Management said not once has he complained. Thornock said he’s happy to help, but that wouldn’t be possible without Development Workshop.

“They helped me with a lot of things I need to work on and they helped me to be a better employee,” he said.

If opposing organizations have their way, Development Workshop won’t be able to help people like Thornock, which is why Idaho State Rep. Wendy Horman decided to see him in action.

“You know, he brightens a lot of peoples day just by being here with his great attitude,” said Horman.

Horman has visited the workshop and witnessed all the programs the organization has to offer.

“They make such a positive contribution to the community and I’m anxious to support that in any way that I can,” she said.

To those skeptical about the workshop’s intentions, Horman only has one thing to say.

“I would have to say, come see for yourself,” said Horman.

That could be today or tomorrow, because Thornock will be there working and greeting customers with his smile regardless.

“I like being here because I don’t want to be anyplace but here,” said Thornock.