Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SNRS) has taken on a generous spirit, this holiday season. Earlier this month, SRNS employees joined those from Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) — the multi-company contractor that manages the SRS cleanup project — and Centerra, which provides security at the site — to raise more than $35,000 for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program.
Angel Tree, which provides toys and clothes for less fortunate children, along with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, were able to gather more than 20,000 toys this year for kids throughout the CSRA via the site’s efforts.
“I am immensely proud of our team for coming together and making this such a successful campaign,” said Megan Corbin, chair of SRS Angel Tree and Toys. “Together, we have surpassed our goal, bringing smiles and happiness to the faces of countless children in the local community.”
SRS employees have donated more than 400,000 toys to the SRS Toys for Tots and Angel Tree campaigns since 1991.
“There is so much need in our local community,” said Rick Sprague, the SRNS campaign’s executive sponsor. “Our employees are always willing to step up and help make a difference.”
SRNS also presented $50,000 to support five local nonprofits, each one receiving $10,000.
“During the holidays, we see an increase in the number of families seeking food assistance from The Well that serves as a food pantry and resource hub,” said Pam Rush, executive director of Axis 1 Center of Barnwell, which offers substance abuse recovery and prevention services. “We are grateful for this partnership that will help reduce food insecurity in Barnwell County.”
Augusta Meals on Wheels will be able to deliver more than 1,200 meals to seniors and homebound persons, noted CSRA Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging Director Jackie Harris.
“This is the best gift we could receive during the holiday season,” she said.
When Help Can’t Wait, based in Martinez, provides aid for nursing home residents. This year, the organization was able to give 400 gifts for its yearly Christmas Gifts for Residents event, said executive director Brandi Underwood.
Brandi Underwood, When Help Can’t Wait executive director, added that the donation will help provide 400 Christmas gifts to residents in local nursing homes as part of their annual Christmas Gifts for the Residents event.
Other CSRA charities that received the donation included Community Ministry of North Augusta and Area Churches Together Serving (ACTS).
“It’s our privilege to support these local charities during the holiday season,” said SRNS CEO Dennis Carr. “SRNS and its employees believe in giving back to the communities surrounding our Site. These charities make a positive impact in our communities every day, and we are happy to aid them during this special time of giving.”
SRMC also donated $5,000 to the Salvation Army for local needs in Aiken, Barnwell and Allendale counties through its Philanthropic Giving Program, with senior executives volunteering as bellringers for the Red Kettle Campaign.
“Savannah River Mission Completion looks forward to supporting the Salvation Army each year,” said Dave Olsen, SRMC president and program manager. “Raising and donating money for so many essential programs and services provided by the Salvation Army is a great way to contribute to our neighbors.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
