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The Harris Products Group recently announced it has more than doubled its prior year donation to Challenged Child & Friends of Gainesville, a nonprofit organization that assists children with disabilities including developmental delays as well as their typically developing peers.
The $25,000 donation will help the organization serve families in northeast Georgia with speech, physical and occupational therapy, education, nursing and family counseling services.
"It's important to Harris to partner with a local organization like Challenged Child & Friends. They help families in our community. Now, more than ever, charities like this one need our support because corporations have cut back on charitable giving in recent years. They've had to do more with less," said David Nangle, president of the Harris Products Group, which has its international headquarters in Mason, Ohio.
"We are pleased to sponsor such a worthwhile cause and with signs of an economic recovery, I'm hoping other business leaders will step up their contributions for the organizations they support," he said.
Located directly across the street from the Harris Products Group's Gainesville plant, Challenged Child and Friends operates an early intervention center that focuses on the development of the whole child and incorporates child-lead activities to enhance learning.
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Executives from Cargill recently presented a check for $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County to support programs focusing on education. The funds will be used for a variety of programs directed toward improving academic success. Funds will be used for the Library/Bookworms Reading Program to encourage and improve reading skills, vocabulary development, reading comprehension and to develop a more positive attitude toward reading for youth ages 6-12.
The program will provide members with the support, resources and guidance necessary to help ensure that all members are proficient in reading and help narrow the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged children. The library and program will offer a structured time and place for club staff and volunteers.
"At Cargill, we recognize that our continued success depends on the health and growth of communities," said David Ellis, facility superintendent of Cargill. "These children are the future of our community, and we're proud to support their education."
"Cargill has been a true friend to the clubs and the youth we serve," said Michele Piucci, board president BGCHC, adding that many employees also volunteer.
The Hall County organization serves some 4,000 youth in three locations: Positive Place Club, Teen Center and Joseph F. Walters Club. For more information, contact Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County, P.O. Box 691 Gainesville, GA 30503; phone 770-532-8102.