UPS gives $25K to Black Belt Foundation

By Tarana Burke

The Black Belt Community Foundation received a $25,000 grant yesterday from UPS at the foundation’s offices in Selma.

The recently established organization, supports community efforts that will contribute to the strength, innovation, and success of all the (Black Belt’s) people and communities

Guy Redd, of UPS’ corporate office in Birmingham was on hand for the presentation of the check.

“It is a privilege to be able to assist the Black Belt Community Foundation so they can, in turn, go out and assist the community,” he said.

According to Felecia Jones, Executive Director, the foundation is committed to promoting the

idea of philanthropy in the Black Belt among people from the Black Belt. She said they plan to use the funds to initiate a youth leadership program.

“We want to start instilling young people with our mission, ‘Using what we have to make what we need’, early,” said Jones. “Youth in the Black Belt need to know they have much of what they need right here in the Black Belt, they just need to know how to identify their assets and tap their resources.”

Lee Langdon, a local driver for UPS for 25 years, helped make the check presentation to the foundation.

“I’m glad to give back to community and this work is right in line with how I feel,” said Langdon.

Mayor James Perkins, a board member for the Black Belt Community Foundation, was instrumental in creating a relationship between the organization and UPS.

“I think this is a great example of how the corporate community is giving back to the local community,” said Perkins. “I think it’s good thing.”

The foundation will begin making grants early next year.

Community based or grassroots organizations who are not service oriented are welcome to apply, says Jones. “The application deadline for our first round of grants is December 1, 2004.”

For more information, contact the foundation at 874-1126.