The season of giving brought a local business and J.D. Lever Elementary School together once again in support of students in need, to place presents under the school’s Giving Tree. Located in the front office, the six-foot tall snowman themed tree was already adorned with hats, mittens and socks, donated by students for their fellow students who may go without during the winter months. Knowing there were a number of students that would benefit from a little extra this holiday season, Drew Sapp, the school’s Administrative Assistant called on Newman Technology, Inc. for help. Billy Hightower, Plant Manager at Newman Technology, Inc., was eager to answer the call.
“We always see this as an opportunity for partnership,” Hightower said. “It makes everyone feel good to help out and donate to these students.”
The community partnership, now in its seventh year, has inspired Newman Technology, Inc. employees to give to those in need, and encourage students from a young age to be committed to serving the community they grow up in.
“We enjoy giving back to the community at different times throughout the year, and we’ll continue to pledge our support to these students and J.D. Lever Elementary,” said Hightower.
The school’s administration also uses these donation events to teach students about future career opportunities.
“Our kids don’t always know what possibilities are out there,” said Michael Truitt, J.D. Lever Elementary School Principal. “They know the businesses they see regularly like Dollar General and McDonalds, but as they receive these gifts they start to ask questions, and we are able to provide exposure to local businesses like Newman Technology. We can show them that they don’t need to move out to Aiken for a good career after high school.”
Truitt said early exposure peaks the students’ interest, and will help them remember local companies and organizations in years to come when these students will begin to look for jobs. Newman Technology, Inc., located just a mile from J.D. Lever Elementary, produces exhaust and frame parts for ATVs and other power equipment.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: PR 2020 NEWMAN TECHNOLOGY BRINGS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT TO JD LEVER