April 10 2010

Walmart funds charities

By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Walmart in Dade City celebrated its grand reopening Friday by donating $4,500 to area schools and community service clubs and agencies.

Representatives of these agencies gathered in the morning at the store, at 12650 U.S. 301 S., to accept checks from store manager Craig Edwards and personnel manager Jackie Adams.

"Our community is a part of who we are," Edwards said. "We wanted to give back to the community."

One recipient, Toys for Tots of East Pasco, used its $500 donation to kick off a new subsidiary program called Bikes for Tots, formed in partnership with the Allohak District of the Gulf Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America.

In this program, at-risk children identified through Toys for Tots would have the opportunity to get free bikes, helmets and uniforms by joining Boy Scout troops in Zephyrhills and the greater Trilby area and earning a Tenderfoot rank.

Toys for Tots of East Pasco executive director Bob Loring handed over his organization's donation check to Stephen Kubasek, executive with the Allohak District for the Gulf Ridge Council of Boy Scouts of America.

"This is a wonderful day," Loring said. "We'll turn this check into bikes."

Kubasek said the money will be used to purchase bicycles for the Scouts, who can use them locally in the Rails to Trails program and through various service projects.

"We want to reach out to the children who benefit from Toys for Tots," he said. "Through this program they can spend their weekends earning merit badges and participating in outdoor activities. And we want to reach out to their families."

Ken Keith, Zephyrhills captain of Toys for Tots of East Pasco, said Bikes for Tots is greatly needed in this area.

"Through partnerships like this, we can help get kids living in poverty get on the right track," he said.

To donate funds or bicycles for the Bikes for Tots program, call Loring at (352) 588-4230.

Also among those receiving Walmart donations Friday was HPH Hospice, which received $500.

"We take care of nearly 1,000 patients every day in Pasco County," said Ginger Olson, gift planner for HPH Hospice. "We couldn't do that without your support."

East Pasco Meals on Wheels also received a $500 donation from Walmart.

"Because of this donation we can continue to serve elderly and homebound clients," said Cindy Beson, East Pasco Meals on Wheels director.

Dade City Sunrise Rotary received $500, money that president Karen Streaker said will go toward the club's charity programs.

"This will go toward our charitable projects, like helping students in Tommytown," Streaker said. "It will go to fund college scholarships for students in need."

A number of east Pasco schools also received donations from Walmart, with $500 each going to Academy at the Farm and San Antonio Elementary. Also, Pasco Middle School got $1,000, accepted by Principal Kim Anderson.

"This will go to our ABC committee, which supports needy students," Anderson said. "This will buy them school supplies, clothes, shoes, whatever they need to go to school."

Another $500 check went to Cub Scout Pack 55. Also at Friday's grand reopening, Boy Scouts representing Lacoochee and Zephyrhills performed a color guard presentation. River Ridge High School student Nikki Dermott performed the national anthem.

To Loring, young people played an integral part in the day's meaning and festivities.

"It's all about the kids," he said.