Alcoa presents $15,000 donation to Stanly County Family YMCA

Alcoa continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Stanly County community with a $15,000 contribution to the Stanly County Family YMCA. The funds will support three signature programs that teach children to swim, provide meals to the hungry, and raise awareness about sexual abuse.

“The Y strives to make a difference every day across our community through our Signature Outreach Programs,” said George Crooker, CEO of the Stanly County Family YMCA.  “With this very generous gift from Alcoa, we can continue to meet the needs of others and help make Stanly County a healthier and safer place for all.” 

Alcoa’s contribution will support the following programs:

·       Second Grade Learn to Swim: This program provides five weeks of swimming instruction to more than 450 second graders at eight elementary schools across Stanly County. The program is designed to reduce the risk of drowning and aligns closely with Alcoa’s ongoing efforts to promote water safety.

·       The Sunday Lunch Program: This program makes a difference with a simple plate of food. The Y coordinates and serves hot meals on Sundays and holidays at the Community Table in Albemarle. In 2013, over 5,500 meals were served.

·       Darkness to Light: This program raises awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about the steps they can take to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. A partnership between the Y, United Way of Stanly County, Stanly County Schools, Albemarle Police Department, The Butterfly House, and the Stanly County Health Department, Darkness to Light hopes to reduce the rate of childhood sexual abuse in Stanly County by educating 2,000 adults over the next five years.

"Alcoa is proud to partner with the Stanly County Family YMCA to support their outstanding work in our community.  Our donation will help teach nearly 500 young children to swim, provide meals to more than 5,500 individuals in need of food, as well as increase awareness and reduce the rate of sexual abuse across Stanly County,” said Nicole Wright of Alcoa. “Alcoa is honored to partner with the YMCA in these outreach programs, which are such an asset to our community.”  

Alcoa has a long history of support community programs in Stanly County. Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation have contributed more than $4 million to worthwhile programs in the Yadkin region. 

Alcoa promotes water safety with $25,000 grant to Stanly County YMCA

Alcoa launched its annual water safety campaign this month by announcing a $25,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation that will support learn to swim programs at the YMCA. 

The grant is one of several ways that Alcoa is working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and local law enforcement agencies to promote water safety this summer. The company is giving away hundreds of free life jackets to children, providing financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes, and spreading its message of “Playing it Safe on the Lakes,” through billboards, ads and promotional items. 

“It’s so important that we remind people to be vigilant about water safety,” said Nicole Wright, Alcoa Foundation Coordinator. “We can prevent so many tragedies by helping our children learn to swim.  We are honored to support the YMCA’s learn to swim programs and hope parents take advantage of classes that are available.”

The $25,000 grant to the Stanly County Family YMCA will help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.

The program, started at East Albemarle Elementary School in 2005, has grown to serve nine elementary schools across Stanly County. Plans call for the program to expand to all elementary schools in the county.

“Both Alcoa and the Y have long histories in promoting water safety,“ said John Lowder, Executive Director of Stanly County Family YMCA.  “This partnership is a perfect match to allow both organizations to work together to make Stanly County a safer place to live and play.” 

Click here to read more about the grant in the Stanly News & Press and Salisbury Post.

See television coverage of Alcoa's water safety campaign from News 14 and WXII.