Following our founder's example, we work to enrich the communities where we operate and make a difference where it's needed most. Some highlights are included below.
American Red Cross
We've supported the American Red Cross for over 20 years, contributing toward disaster relief efforts, the disaster response preparedness plan and the "Be Red Cross Ready" campaign, which encourages families to prepare for disasters. Globally, we've provided funding for disaster relief efforts through Red Cross International.
Habitat for Humanity of Central Pennsylvania
Our company and employees actively support Habitat for Humanity throughout South Central Pennsylvania, transforming the lives of families in need, providing decent shelter for the homeless and helping revitalize city neighborhoods. Hundreds of Hershey employees have volunteered to help Habitat build and renovate numerous homes and apartments. Hershey is a major build sponsor of Lancaster Habitat's South Queen Street homes, just a few blocks away from Milton S. Hershey's former home.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania
We've supported the Ronald McDonald House of Central PA for many years through cash and in-kind contributions. Ronald McDonald House provides free, temporary housing to out-of-town families of children who are being treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. Our company contributed to the House's "Room To Grow!" Capital Campaign to accommodate additional families and guests, as the House is often filled to capacity and has a waiting list.
Community Check Up Center and Mission of Mercy - Harrisburg, PA
In Harrisburg, Hershey funds health services through several partners. The Community Check Up Center provides quality health care to uninsured and underinsured women and children, runs a food distribution program and maintains an emergency food pantry. Mission of Mercy provides free medical, dental and prescription services to those who cannot afford them.
Children's Literacy Initiative - Lancaster, PA
Near our Lancaster Y&S plant, we support the Children's Literacy Initiative (CLI). The CLI partners with Lancaster Head Start, a preschool agency serving over 700 children. Head Start teachers receive training, curriculum and books for their classrooms, building meaningful, engaging literacy practices that help children develop the solid foundation they need for success in school.
Youth Villages - Memphis, TN
Hershey-Memphis sponsored the "Ultimate 10K/5K road Race," led by the efforts of dedicated employees. This benefited a local non-profit, Youth Villages, which helps more than 11,000 emotionally and behaviorally troubled children and their families each year. The event raised over $15,500 for the cause.
Students in Free Enterprise
The Hershey Company provides funding for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), an organization focused on creating a better world through the positive power of business, and partners with the organization in multiple ways. We've been impressed by SIFE and the talented, dedicated students we have met. SIFE has become a key partner in our recruiting efforts, as our experience shows that SIFE creates business leaders who deliver results through teamwork, initiative and flexibility. In China, Mexico and Russia, SIFE students are performing critical consumer research. This provides Hershey with excellent insight about consumers in local markets, and gives SIFE students experience with an iconic global company. Our shared dedication to making a difference in the communities where we live and work enhances our alliance. We look forward to building on our current activities and helping SIFE expand its reach and impact.
Global Community
In the Philippines, we funded the creation of a therapeutic garden for children. It is located at Elsie Gaches Village, an orphanage for children with special needs, located in the Muntinlupa community, near our Hershey Philippines office. The garden is designed to provide a healing and relaxing environment for therapy sessions. Maintenance and enhancement of the garden will be a lifetime commitment by Hershey Philippines employees. Elsie Gaches Village was built in 1964 on land donated by Samuel and Elsie Gaches. Like Milton Hershey and his wife, Catherine, the couple made it their mission to establish this orphanage to help children in need.
In Mexico, we supported the establishment of a children's burn center in 2003, working to address one of the more common childhood injuries in the region. We help fund the burn center's ongoing operations through our United Way Mexico campaign, via generous employee contributions and a company match. It is the first medical facility of its kind in the region, bringing critical, life-saving services to children needfrom low-income families who would not otherwise be able to afford or access treatment. The Center provides treatment, medicine and therapy to about 200 children annually. Since it was established in 2003, mortality rate for burn injuries has decreased significantly, from six percent to one percent. We also provide funding for a children's cancer center through our partnership with United Way Mexico.
In cocoa growing regions, we fund a variety of programs to advance responsible labor practices, income improvement, access to education and health. You can learn more here.
Volunteerism
Hershey employees and retirees are active volunteers in their local communities, supporting a variety of causes including education, food banks, Habitat for Humanity, United Way partner agencies, Scouting, sports and the environment, as well as serving on organizational boards. We are committed to supporting, expanding and recognizing these efforts. Through our Dollars for Doers program, we donate $250 to any charity designated by each employee who volunteers at least 100 hours in a given year.