BRISTOL — An Elkhart County company is working to turn a negative situation into a positive. Fabric Services in Bristol, which makes some products for the RV Industry, has seen a slowdown in production. Instead of layoffs, the company is paying employees to give back to the community.

For years, the owners of Fabric Services say they've made giving back to the community a priority.

So with not as much work to do at the factory, it's the perfect time to do just that.

They’re sending some employees to work at agencies such as Church Community Services.

“To see if they could use some help,” explained John Wuori with Fabric Services. “And the employees go get an assignment, they actually report to that organization and perform a variety of different tasks, and we pay them as if they're here operating at our plant.”

Employees taking part in the program say it is a win-win situation for them, the company and the social service agencies.

"Our employees get a full paycheck to help make the ends meet, especially at this time when things are slow everywhere,” said employee Michele Salyer. “And it’s beneficial then for the community. They receive the gift from us of the volunteer man hours."

"It helps the community, it helps pay my bills, it helps Fabric Services, the company itself,” agreed employee Teresa Miller. “We get to experience from everything."

“This really helps us — we've seen a huge increase in the demand for our services,” said Traci Perry with Church World Services. “It’s a huge blessing and we're just really appreciative."

So far, employees have helped nearly a dozen social service agencies and groups in Elkhart County.

Company officials say even when production picks up again, they plan to continue this program.