True Value Helps Spruce Up 80 Schools Across the U.S.

Monday, May 03, 2010

CHICAGO, May 3, 2009 – A fresh coat of paint brightens up any room, and this spring 80 schools across the country will each receive up to 40 gallons of free paint to refresh their learning environments. These schools were selected from applicants across the country to receive paint grants as part of True Value Foundation’s ‘Painting a Brighter Future’ program.

This is the second year for the foundation’s grant program, which is designed to help schools renew an atmosphere that sets a positive tone for educators to teach and children to learn. Without the grant, many of the recipient schools could not afford to undertake the paint jobs. However, this fall the thousands of students entering the doors of the winning schools will reap the benefits of learning and socializing in their newly painted facilities.

“‘Painting a Brighter Future’ is a perfect example of what the True Value Foundation is all about: uniting True Value retailers to help their communities, provide the right tools for the task and inspire others to get involved,” said Brian Webb, president of True Value Foundation and chairman of True Value Company. “This program gives our retailers the opportunity to directly improve the quality of educational facilities within their hometowns.”

True Value retailers participating in ‘Painting a Brighter Future’ championed the cause of enhancing the educational environment in their respective communities. Retailers identified elementary, junior high or high schools in their neighborhoods that met basic qualifications and encouraged the schools to apply for the paint grants, which were awarded based on need.

An advisory committee composed of True Value Company associates and True Value Foundation board members reviewed the applications. An extensive judging process evaluated several aspects of each school, including student population, involvement with the surrounding community and the reasoning behind the school’s request. Using this set of criteria, the committee selected 80 schools to receive the grants.

True Value Company established the foundation in 2008 to unite True Value retailers in helping people in their communities build stronger lives through charitable programs that: nurture the future of local youth through educational and social support; create solutions for community and social issues; and inspire adults to grow and improve their potential through continuous learning experiences. Primary funding for True Value Foundation is generated through the proceeds of the True Value Charity Classic, the foundation's annual supplier-supported fundraising event.

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