General Mills continued its history of giving during a ceremony Wednesday morning by donating $170,000 to local schools and organizations to help fund programs that encourage healthy lifestyles.
"Our mission at General Mills is all about nourishing lives — making lives healthier, richer and easier," said Mark Bible, Covington plant manager. "We accomplish our mission every day through the quality of our brands like Cheerios. We also live that mission through our involvement and support in the communities where we live, work and play. Covington is our home, and we are very proud to be able to provide financial support through our foundation to the inspiring and difference-making organizations that we are recognizing… From here in Covington, Ga., We actually feed the United States."
In Newton County grants were given to the Arts Association in Newton County to help with scholarships for their Young Artists Program.
"On behalf of so many children in this community, we thank you," said Executive Director Buncie Hay Lanners.
Fairview Theme School was given a grant to use for their Family Fitness Program; Ficquett Elementary’s grant will go to support their Making Every Moment Count Program. The funds received by The Learning Center will go to their Literacy Program, Middle Ridge Elementary will use the money for their Fitness for Everyone Program, Newton County Community Partnership will use the funds to support their Community Garden.
The Newton County Senior Center’s grant will go toward their Project Enrichment Program, Newton County School System will use the grant for "Kidsville News!" in Education Program, Newton County Sheriff’s Office received a grant for their C.H.A.M.P.S. program and announced that they will also use some of the funds for Project Lifesaver, a program that they plan on implementing that will help adults who tend to wander, such as those with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Prevent Child Abuse Newton will use their funds to support their Nurturing Parent program, Project ReNeWal will use grant monies for their Healthy Eating Program, Rainbow Community Center will use grant money for operating support and the Washington Street Community Center to support their After School Program and YMCA of Covington will use their grant money to support their Partner with Youth Financial Assistance Program.
Also receiving grant money from General Mills is the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, Camp Twin Lakes, JAM Community Development Center, Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts, J.H. House Elementary School and Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale.
