Man celebrates big milestone serving Topeka at Dillons grocery store

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A familiar face at a local Dillons is celebrating a major work milestone in Topeka.

Frank Sollars has spent the last 15 years serving the community by bagging groceries, stocking and greeting customers with a smile. However, his success didn’t happen alone.

Sollars is part of the Success, Learning and Inclusion (SLI) program which helps individuals with special needs find jobs and thrive in the workplace. His time at Dillons has also brought about friendship and relationships with customers and coworkers.

“A couple customers that brings in dogs and guy with birds and he usually has two conures on his shoulder,” Sollars said.

SLI staff say the program is about more than work. The program helps build confidence and independence.

“Inclusion is the most important thing,” said Karen Streeter with SLI. “It shows that all people matter, and they belong in our community. And our community is strongest when everyone is participating.”

Coworkers and customers joined together to celebrate Sollars’ milestone, showing how he has become a vital part of the Dillons community. He even received a special watch as a gift for his commitment to the store. You can learn more about SLI by clicking here.

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