Milton Hershey School
The health and welfare of children, especially those at risk, is a core focus of our philanthropic efforts. Our founder, Milton S. Hershey, set forth this commitment for our company in 1909 when he established a school for orphan boys. Milton Hershey School continues to operate today as a cost-free, private home and school dedicated to helping children with social needs and limited resources. You can read more about Milton Hershey School on this page: Our Legacy and Milton Hershey School.
Helping children
We have a 20-year relationship with the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for children's hospitals across North America. Through the dedicated efforts of Hershey employees and retirees, millions of dollars have been raised in support of the Children's Miracle Network.
Globally, we support numerous programs that work to build quality of life for children in need. Through our funding for the Empowering Cocoa Households with Opportunities and Education Solutions Program (ECHOES) program, we're supporting teacher training in West Africa, expanding access to education and opportunity for thousands of youth.
In the Philippines, we funded the creation of a Children's Therapeutic Garden designed for use by children with special needs. In Mexico, we support a children's burn center, bringing critical, life-saving services to the community. You can learn more about these programs here.
HERSHEY'S Track & Field Games
The Hershey Company has sponsored HERSHEY'S Track & Field Games for more than 30 years. This program has introduced more than 10 million children in 3,000 communities across the U.S. and Canada to the fun and rewards of physical fitness. Children ages 9-14 compete in various track and field events, starting at the local level and progressing to state meets and the selection of regional finalists. HERSHEY'S Track & Field Games culminate in the North American Final, held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Each year, finalists from each region receive an all-expense-paid trip to Hershey to participate in the North American Final.