What a fun-filled day of learning and adventure for our Pathways crew!
We started our morning by hopping aboard the Panhandle Transit bus and riding to United for our first stop. When we arrived, we met Julia, who gave us an amazing behind-the-scenes tour of the store.
We began at the front end, where the cashiers work, and then stopped by the pharmacy to learn about what they do. They even gave everyone some yummy suckers! Next, we visited the DUG area, where employees prepare online grocery orders for customers to pick up.
We continued to the other side of the store, where we saw where groceries are delivered and learned how cardboard boxes are crushed, wrapped, and prepared to be picked up. In the meat market, we saw the machine the employees use to wrap meat and learned about the steps involved in making ground beef.
Our next stop was the produce department, where we saw how the fresh, pre-cut fruits are prepared for customers. From there, we headed to the bakery and saw the enormous mixers used to make cakes and cookies. We learned that the mixing bowl weighs 40 pounds and the paddle weighs an incredible 60 pounds! The bakery also treated us to some delicious sugar cookies.
At the deli, we saw the slicer used for deli meats and cheeses, learned where the fried chicken is cooked, and visited the area where customers can order hamburgers. Our final stop at United was Starbucks, where our crew learned how lattes and espressos are made.
A huge thank-you to Julia and everyone at United for giving us such a fantastic tour! Our crew listened carefully and asked some really great questions.
Panhandle Transit then picked us up and took us to Cyd’s Cafe for lunch. Our friends practiced ordering their own meals and clearly explaining what they wanted or did not want with their food. Everyone used wonderful manners, and we had some great conversations while waiting for our meals.
After lunch, we boarded the bus one more time and returned to the church to finish our day. We are so proud of our crew for their excellent behavior, thoughtful questions, good manners, and willingness to learn something new!
Thank you to United, Cyd’s Cafe, and Panhandle Transit for helping make today such a memorable adventure!
Side note: Pathways to Independence is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their crew. Download an application at www.ptipampa.com and bring it by by the main office at 601 W. Kentucky Avenue Suite 208A at Highland Plaza Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
