Bridgestone Warren Plant distributed $47,000 in donations to local nonprofits at its annual luncheon held Wednesday at Bridgestone Learning Center.
Bridgestone plant manager John Stewart made the presentations, saying Bridgestone is pleased to provide funding so these organizations can continue much-needed services to local residents.
“We want to welcome you and thank you for what you do in the community,” said Stewart. “This is to show our appreciation for what you guys do. Thank you. We really appreciate it.”
Bridgestone local donations:
• Children’s Advocacy Center was given $4,000. The organization’s mission is to help children who have been victimized and to serve as educators on child abuse awareness and prevention. In 2014, the organization processed 606 reports of child abuse in Warren and Van Buren counties. Of those, 209 were classified as severe child abuse and received specialized services.
• West Elementary School was given $5,000. The school has implemented a new program called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and the donation will assist in adding more technology to assist in online testing.
• Kids of the Community was given $6,000. The organization is coordinated by Warren County Juvenile Court in cooperation with concerned members of the community who are committed to making a difference for the youth in Warren County. In 2014, the organization planned and conducted 195 events lasting three to five hours each.
• Families in Crisis was given $7,000. In the 2014 fiscal year, the organization provided shelter for 74 victims of domestic violence for a total of 1,199 bed nights and provided non-shelter services, such as court advocacy, housing assistance, transportation, medical/ financial assistance and counseling, to an additional 370 victims of domestic violence.
• McMinnville-Warren County Senior Center was given $7,000. The organization serves as a focal point in the community where older residents come together for services and activities which encourage their involvement in the community.
• Meals on Wheels was given $8,000. The organization provided meals that were hand delivered to elderly or disabled citizens by dedicated volunteers to 265 different individuals for a total of 46,400 meals in the fiscal year 2014-15. Bridgestone employees volunteer with the program every Thursday.
• The Foundation for Educational Progress was given $10,000. Each year, the foundation contributes to the economy in Warren County by championing the cause of high-demand technical training for citizens of Warren County.