The General Mills Covington Community Action Council awarded more than $190,000 in grant money Friday to community organizations from Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties.
“Today’s event exemplifies General Mills living our mission of nourishing lives,” Covington plant manager Mark Bible said. “We fulfill that mission through the health, richness, quality, and convenience of our products. We also fulfill that mission through our involvement and support of our local communities.”
More than 25 organizations applied for in grants totaling more than $500,000. To qualify, organizations must have a current 501(c)(3) Public Charity status from the Internal Revenue Service be a school or a unit of government. Organizations must serve populations within 50 miles of a General Mills facility. The organization, its program or project and must support a broad and diverse audience and organizations.
“Each year members of Team Covington contribute 100’s of hours of volunteer service across our area,” Bible said. “Each year at this time we further strengthen our community support through grants from our Foundation to well deserving non-profit organizations making a positive difference in our area.”
Out of Rockdale, the groups that received funding were:
Family Promise of NewRock. Grant funds will support the organization’s offered family services. Services include training and counseling, providing insurance, food, supplies for social services and utilities to guests within the organization’s network.
Elks Aidmore Center. The Elks plans to expand family support services with programs that focus on health and wellness and personal development.
Project ReNeWal. Grant will be used to support the Healthy Eating Program. The organization plans to buy fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy food items for its shelter residents
J.H. House Elementary. Program grant will be used to support the Moving to the Beat program to purchase audio visual equipment for the gym to be used during Physical Education class
Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts. Program grant will be used to support the ARTS Smart Summer Day Camp for deserving youth provides high quality arts education for children, ages 6-14.
Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families. Program grant will be used to support Kids College’s 14th year of providing academic enrichment program for second through fifth grade students in Rockdale County Public Schools; Substance abuse prevention activities
Prevent Child Abuse Rockdale. Program grant will be used to enable the organization to strengthen and serve over 1200 people with training in effective parenting skills.
Those receiving grants from Covington were Ficquett Theme School, Community Arts Association in Newton County, Covington YMCA, Washington Street Community Center, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Middle Ridge Elementary, Prevent Child Abuse Newton, Liberty Middle School, Rainbow Community Center, Newton County Senior Center, Newton County READS, Newton County Board of Education, Newton County Community Partnership.
The American Red Cross East Georgia, Walton County Senior Citizens Council, Social Circle Public Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Georgia, Faith and Serving Humanity in Social Circle, and Camp Twins Lakes in Rutledge received a grants as well.
The General Mills donates millions of dollars each year. In 2011, the General Mills Foundation distributed more than $24 million in grants and matching contributions. The donations go toward arts and culture, education, hunger and nutrition wellness, and family service among other areas.
“It is an honor and a blessing to be supporting and recognizing such well deserving organizations again today,” Bible said.
