Charleston, S.C., pumping company Nature’s Calling Inc./Fenn-Vac reports that it received awards in the Summerville and the North Charleston Christmas parades last December. Nature’s Calling won the Most Creative Award in Summerville and first place in the Best Corporate Float category in North Charleston.

The company built its float on the flatbed of an International truck provided by Carolina International of Charleston. The entry featured a portable restroom that Dr. Seuss’s Grinch character popped out of along the parade route, a patriotic-themed Christmas tree and a trash container overflowing with wrapped gifts. To see photos of the float, go to the Pumper Facebook page by clicking on the Facebook icon at the top of this page.

Company president Russ Perkins asked his staff to create a float for the Christmas parades. It was the first time Nature’s Calling participated in a parade. Bridget Lundberg coordinated the effort and the parade day crews included Lundberg, Melissa Maxwell, Brandy and Kyle Miller, April and Dylan Brant, and Corin Clark.

“It’s a good promotional thing and something good for the community,’’ Perkins said. “Everyone loved our float and they were cheering along the parade route. I’m very glad we did it and we’ll do more parades next year.’’

“We had a really good time with it,’’ Lundberg said. She added that winning the awards on the first time out was “a pleasant surprise.’’

What types of community outreach does your company participate in? Send me an e-mail at editor@pumper.com and tell me what you’ve been up to. I’ll share your experiences with readers in this blog.