United Way programs receive grants from Cummins, Toyota

Cummins and Toyota Material Handling are donating $10,000 each to help the United Way of Bartholomew County with several programs.

According to the United Way, this was part of the annual Give Back Event and the funds are going to support four United Way initiatives:

• School Supply Assistance Program: Distributes fully stocked backpacks to local children through a coalition of community organizations. More than 2,100 backpacks were provided during the last school year.
• My Free Taxes: Offers free tax preparation by certified volunteers. Last tax season, nearly 1,300 returns were completed, returning over $1 million to the local economy through saved fees and refunds.
• Avenues to Opportunity: A comprehensive program helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency through job coaching, budgeting support, and access to childcare and healthcare. Since mid-2023, approximately 300 families have reached self-sufficiency, contributing to United Way’s goal of lifting 1,000 families out of poverty within 2,000 days.
• Student Support Line: Enables Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation educators to request basic needs items—such as clothing, food and bedding—for students. Nearly 230 students received assistance last school year.

Brett Merritt, President, Engine Business at Cummins and Brett Wood, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling made the donations to the programs Thursday.