Navistar Donates $20,000 to Local NAACP Programming for 2012

submitted by DuPage County Branch NAACP

Thank you….a simple phrase that many are reminded to say with the arrival of the season of giving. But for the executive committee leaders, volunteers and veterans of the DuPage County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, saying thank you only shows a small part of the gratitude they feel for Warrenville-based Navistar International Corporation.

During a special December 13 meeting, executive leaders from the DuPage County NAACP announced Navistar has pledged $20,000 in support of the nonprofit organization’s initiatives and youth programs for 2012. The gift is currently the largest donation made by a corporate sponsor to the local NAACP branch for the coming year.

“Despite this current economic climate, I have witnessed firsthand a growing desire by our community to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most,” said Mario Lambert, DuPage County NAACP President. “Words cannot express how much we appreciate the generosity and support of the people at Navistar.”

Lambert says the first $10,000 has been dedicated to platinum-level sponsorship of the NAACP’s Freedom Fund, as well as its glitzy award and scholarship gala in February 2012. For the remaining funds, Navistar requested to distribute the gift among various other DuPage County NAACP programs, but the company’s commitment to the mission of the NAACP doesn’t end there.

“This financial support is in addition to Navistar hosting a special “So You Think You Want a Career at Navistar” session on February 25 at our office,” said Lisa Hartenberger, director of corporate communications at Navistar. “As part of this series, diverse youth from grades six through 12 are exposed to different career paths and will explore Navistar careers in engineering, operations, purchasing, sales, legal, technology and much more. They also will meet directly with Navistar professionals and executives during one-on-one breakout sessions, as well as have the opportunity to tour the facility.”

It is expected that with Navistar’s generous donation, the DuPage County Branch will continue to leverage the newly created “So You Think You Want to ….” series and the College and Scholarship Readiness Fair to attract more youth within DuPage, Kendall, Kane and Will counties to join and benefit from all the Branch has to offer.

“Navistar appreciates the relationship we have built with the NAACP, and we truly believe in its mission, the leadership and the entire team at the DuPage County Branch,” said Hartenberger. “We couldn’t be more delighted for the opportunity to partner with and support the continued efforts of this wonderful organization.”

Through the overwhelming support of Freedom Fund sponsors like Navistar, last year the Branch had the opportunity to send 15 students with 16 gold medals to the NAACP’s 2011 National Convention in Los Angeles for the national Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition. Lambert adds that during the National Convention, the DuPage County Branch also was recognized for having one of two of the highest numbers for new memberships of youth in the state from the period of January 1 through June 2011.

“This charitable donation not only benefits the DuPage County NAACP, but I also believe the outstanding support provided from companies like Navistar will be critical for the programs, youth and families we serve for years to come,” said Lambert.

For more information about the DuPage County NAACP, upcoming events, and other programs, visit http://dupagecountynaacp.org/.