Sallie Mae donates $10,000 for tree planting and ecological restoration in the Gulf Coast region
On October 5, Sallie Mae participated in a commemorative tree-planting ceremony with students from the Martin Luther King Charter School in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward.
The event celebrated a $10,000 corporate donation from Sallie Mae's Business Office Solutions and the Asset Performance Group. The $10,000 pledge will go to "Katrina ReLeaf," to bring thousands of trees back into the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Created by the Washington, D.C.-based conservation group American Forests, Katrina ReLeaf provides grants to Gulf Coast communities to replant trees destroyed by the devastating hurricanes of 2005.
In addition, Sallie Mae employees also contributed $600 directly to the Martin Luther King Charter School, for the purchase of much-needed school supplies.
"Parents, students, and schools are Sallie Mae's primary constituency, and all of these groups have an important stake in assuring a good environmental future," said Nina Vellayan, president of Business Office Solutions. "We are proud to make this $10,000 donation in connection with our annual Sallie Mae Summit and be a positive part of restoring livability to some of the Gulf Coast communities impacted by the hurricanes."
Thousands of trees in the New Orleans area were killed by floodwaters following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Trees not only help clean the air and water, provide shade, and create habitat for animals, they also protect coastal communities and ecosystems from erosion.
To commemorate the donation, three Martin Luther King Live Oaks from American Forests' Historic Trees program were planted on school grounds by students and volunteers from Sallie Mae, New Orleans community group Parkways Partners, and American Forests. Coastal Live Oaks are native to the Gulf region and a valuable part of the green infrastructure. Each of the eight-foot trees was grown from the seeds of a tree that shades the Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma, Alabama where Martin Luther King Jr. embarked on his famous march to Montgomery.
In addition, a group of 40 students from Martin Luther King Charter School were given George Washington Red Maple saplings to take home and plant in their yards.
"Trees grow healthier communities — and they add life to the community," said American Forests' executive director Deborah Gangloff. "As New Orleans continues its long rebuilding process, American Forests is proud to work with Sallie Mae and Pathways Partners to help begin to restore the many environmental — and social — benefits that trees provide."
Pennsylvania Loan Servicing Center
The fight against cancer in Pennsylvania got a huge boost from a diverse Sallie Mae team at the LiveStrong Challenge in Philadelphia on August 26. Sallie Mae fielded the largest team — 127 members — and raised approximately $100,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation to support cancer survivors and research. Ours was the third largest contribution for the Philly Challenge and included $25,000 in matching gifts from The Sallie Mae Fund.
Held in various cities throughout the U.S., the LiveStrong Challenge consists of a 5K run/walk, 10K run, and bicycle rides of 10, 40, 70, or 100 miles. Funds raised through the Challenge support the Lance Armstrong Foundation's mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has invested nearly $1,600,000 in Pennsylvania-area cancer research projects, community-centered organizations, and other awards.
Sallie Mae's team was composed of employees, friends, and family members from our Wilkes-Barre center; SLM Financial; Reston headquarters; and Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey sales offices.
Sallie Mae was recognized publicly several times throughout the Challenge for our support and participation. For fielding the largest team, Sallie Mae received the Messenger Award, a framed Lance Armstrong autographed LiveStrong jersey. Sallie Mae's team is the largest to compete in any Challenge.
Christmas in July collection
During the Christmas in July food drive, Pennsylvania employees collected 12,510 pounds of food to benefit the Commission on Economic Opportunity's Weinberg Food Bank.
Wisconsin / Arrow Financial Services
Relay for Life
On August 4–5, Arrow Financial participated in the Relay for Life to support the American Cancer Society. This overnight event kept team members walking or running on a track for 18 hours. The Sallie Mae Fund was the platinum-level corporate sponsor and donated $5,000. The Arrow team raised the most funds in the Whitewater, Wisc. area for the second year in a row with a total of $18,336. Employees raised money throughout the year by holding various events including silent auctions, book sales, pizza sales, etc. Approximately 70 employees participated in fundraising and walking at the Relay.
Arrow team members and families pose by The Sallie Mae Fund banner.
The Survivor Lap for cancer survivors and their families.
Relay campsites were decorated for the "Carnival for a Cure" theme. One of Arrow's fundraisers at the event was carnival games for kids.
Massachusetts / AMS
Dunking for Dictionaries
This summer at the AMS Center, employees raised money for the Dictionary Project, a nonprofit organization that provides dictionaries to area school children. The goal: provide dictionaries for every third grader in the Swansea Public School System, about 700 children.
On July 27, a dunk tank at the Swansea Facility's annual company picnic raised $1,400, buying 700 dictionaries. The entire center participated in donating money, buying raffle tickets, or buying tickets to dunk some of their favorite managers and coworkers.
Indiana / USA Funds Services
Environmental Education Initiative supported
In late June, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and leaders from Sallie Mae and The Canal and White River State Park Cultural District unveiled a plan to create an interactive exhibit along the city's Canal Walk.
This exhibit is only the pilot project for a broader Interpretive Master Plan, with the theme "Reflections on the Water. Past. Present. Future." that is designed to attract district visitors and engage them in a learning experience along the historic Central Canal.
The Interpretive Master Plan and pilot project for the cultural district were made possible through a $200,000 grant from The Sallie Mae Fund.
Employees pick favorite charities
Indiana Center employees were invited to nominate their favorite charity to receive $5,000. The four with the most votes each received a grant from The Sallie Mae Fund. Nearly 900 votes were cast. These four received the most votes and were awarded $5,000 each:
- Motivate Our Minds offers programs designed to build academic proficiency, enhance self-esteem, develop character, develop contributing members of society, and instigate a safe and non-threatening environment for children in grades one through eight.
- Riley Hospital for Children is dedicated to the health and well-being of children.
- American Cancer Society is a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.
- The Julian Center provides counseling, safe shelter, and education for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Through outreach and consultation, they also seek to educate the community about the issue of domestic violence and its impact on society.
Toiletries drive for The Julian Center
Indiana Center employees donated 40 boxes of toiletries and other items to The Julian Center, along with a $306 cash donation from participants of a weight-loss contest held by our fitness center. For more than 25 years, the center has collaborated with other community organizations to serve victims of domestic abuse and assault. The center reaches thousands of women and children each year through its shelter, counseling, and education programs.
Teachers' Treasures collection drive
This year's Teachers' Treasures collection drive was the most successful ever! Sallie Mae's Indiana Center collected 100 boxes of school supplies that were delivered to Teachers' Treasures' warehouse in downtown Indianapolis. Teachers' Treasures is a nonprofit organization that provides much-needed supplies to Indianapolis public school teachers and teachers in surrounding counties at little or no cost to them.
Florida / LSC
Scholarships for graduating seniors
Each year, the Bay District high schools organize an all-night drug-, alcohol-, and violence-free party on graduation night for all graduating seniors called Project Graduation. LSC/FL and The Sallie Mae Fund provide two students per high school $1,000 scholarships. This past May, The Sallie Mae Fund helped 10 deserving students continue their education.
Golfing for charities
In July, LSC/FL sponsored a golf team to benefit the St. Andrews Bay Center. The team was randomly picked from a drawing of employees who wanted to participate. The St. Andrews Bay Center provides support and opportunities for over 225 individuals with disabilities within our community. This event raised $7,000.
In August, LSC/FL sponsored the Toys for Kids Foundation Annual Charity Golf Classic. The team was randomly picked from a drawing of employees who wanted to participate. All proceeds benefit a holiday shopping spree in December for underprivileged children in Bay County. The Toys for Kids Foundation has actually helped employee's families from our center. This event raises approximately $30,000 each year.
School partners
LSC/FL is the business partner for Hiland Park Elementary where approximately 20 employees volunteer weekly as tutors and mentors to students during the 2006–2007 school year. In August, LSC/FL donated $800 for the Student of the Month and Honor Roll projects.
Executive lock up for MDA
On August 16, LSC/FL contributed $1,000 and participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Annual Telethon Executive Lock-up. Director Dan Moldenhauer went behind bars and had lots of fun raising his bail money. This event raised $161,000 and Sallie Mae was recognized as a Gold Star contributor on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon.
Texas Service Center
In April, the Sallie Mae Texas Center assisted the Leadership Killeen Class of 2006 in their efforts to collect non-perishable food, linens, and toiletries for the Home and Hope Shelter. There were 20 volunteer hours used for this activity.
Shoe Collection
On May 19, the Sallie Mae Texas Center also assisted the Texas Food Care Center by holding a shoe collection. There were 20 volunteer hours used for this event.
Belton High School G-Force
In May 2006, the Sallie Mae Texas Center assisted Belton High School's G-Force project and the Texas Higher Education Board's College for Texans program purchase wristbands for use when they visit Belton Elementary School. The total donation was $540.11 and four volunteer hours were used.
- American Heart Association: During August, Center employees raised over $10,000 and used 250 volunteer hours for these activities. Activities conducted for the benefit of the American Heart Association included a gift card basket raffle, cake raffle, a mystery prize envelope sale, and Heart Association pins and bracelets sale.
- Gift card basket raffle
- Cake raffle
- March of Dimes activities: During March, Texas employees participated in fundraising events to raise $11,658, and employees volunteered 303 hours of service.
- Relay for Life activities: In April, Texas employees participated in the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life, raising $17,000 with events such a breakfast and lunch sales, cake raffles, and bake sales. Seventy Sallie Mae employees volunteered over 220 hours of service.
Special Olympics events
On May 6–7, Special Olympics held their Spring Games at Fort Hood. Sallie Mae donated $2,000 to this event and Special Olympics volunteers contributed 150 hours assisting with the 2006 Spring Games.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run began their run from Killeen to Waco. They stopped by Sallie Mae on May 24 to receive a $2,000 donation.
On Saturday, September 23, the Area 12 Heart of Texas Special Olympics held their annual Bocce Tournament on the Sallie Mae campus. Texas Center volunteers served as scorekeepers and court officials. They also prepared and served lunch to the Special Olympians and participated in the Awards Ceremony at the end of the day. A total of 30 Sallie Mae volunteers donated 89 volunteer hours to this event.
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association's HeartWalk was held on Saturday morning, October 7, at Central Texas College. The Sallie Mae American Heart Association Committee used 250 volunteer hours to raise $13,803.94 for 2006.
United Way of the Greater Fort Hood Area
The Texas Center conducted several events to raise funds for the United Way of the Greater Fort Hood Area during September–November 2006. The Texas Center raised close to $60,000 from fundraising, pledges, and matching gifts and had a 28% participation in the campaign, which is a 6% increase over last year. Among the fundraising activities were:
- Bake sale
- Restaurant and gift card basket raffle
- Kolache and donut sale
- Avon gift bag raffle
- 50/50 raffle
- "United Weigh" contest
CIS Build a Backpack program
As a project for the 2006 Make a Difference Day, the Texas Center received a request from Communities In Schools (CIS) for the entire Center to participate in their Build a Backpack program. This is a new program CIS started with the help of the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) out of Austin.
There are many hungry school children who, for different reasons, do not have food at home. CIS and CAFB give these children groceries in nondescript backpacks. The backpacks are filled with food and given to the children to carry home on Friday, providing them with food to eat over the weekend. The backpacks free these students from the stigma of poverty that many low-income children face from their peers.
CIS sponsors 42 campuses and they requested at least five backpacks per campus and more if possible. This project benefits Bell-Coryell counties. The backpacks were delivered on October 27. The Texas Center delivered over 160 backpacks with additional money for food and/or more backpacks collected.
Bell Haven Nursing Center
The Texas Center's Management Team donated $900 to Bell Haven Nursing Center for the purchase of game tables for Bell Haven residents. The request was originated by the Texas Center's Administrative Team, who presented the check to Bell Haven’s Activity Director on November 10.
On Wednesday, December 6, the Administrative Assistants' Team delivered the gifts the Texas Center employees and teams had bought for residents of the Bell Haven Nursing Center. The Texas Center provided holiday gifts to 84 Bell Haven Nursing Center residents.
Killeen Food Care Center
In December, Sallie Mae conducted a food drive to donate food products to the Killeen Food Care Center. A food bin was placed in the front lobby area for all nonperishable items and the donations were delivered to the Killeen Food Care Center. Texas Center employees donated 620 pounds of food for the Killeen Food Care Center.
Salvation Army
In December, the Texas Center employees ensured that 110 children in the Central Texas area would have a Merry Christmas. Janet O'Brien, who headed this project, reported there were 110 Salvation Army Angels adopted by Texas Center employees, either individually or by teams.
New York / Pioneer Credit Recovery
Golfing for the American Cancer Society
On June 19, 2006 Pioneer Credit Recovery held its Fifth Annual Drive Out Breast Cancer Golf Tournament. The tournament was sponsored by 144 individuals and businesses. Employees braved the rain to help support the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Throughout the month leading up to the event, all 1,100 Pioneer Credit employees had a chance to participate in fund raising auctions and raffles supporting ACS. All these efforts including the tournament raised $50,067 for ACS.
The eighth grade student council of Perry Middle School accepts a check for $2,000 from The Sallie Mae Fund that will be used to support many awards programs for the students including a Breakfast of Champions and a scholarship program.
Rhode Island / SLM Education Credit Finance Corp.
Helping to grant wishes
A $2,500 grant to Make-A-Wish Foundation's Kids for Wish Kids program from The Sallie Mae Fund and the Rhode Island center is supporting the training of high school and college students who will fundraise and help grant wishes for kids through their local Make-A-Wish chapter.
Ohio / Student Loan Funding Resources
In September, Student Loan Funding employees hosted a 25th anniversary celebration to raise more than $25,000 for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation. The event was attended by 200–300 people. A grant from The Sallie Mae Fund provided $5,000 to this worthy cause. The donations will provide scholarships to underprivileged youth in the greater Cincinnati area.
Throughout the fall and winter, Student Loan Funding employees will be working with the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation high school outreach program to prepare students in high risk areas for college through workshops and individual counseling.
Cincinnati, Ohio / General Revenue Corporation
United Way drive
In July, more than 400 GRC employees raised $5,040 for the United Way through a dunk tank where 10 employees were dunked. Other events that helped raise funds were Jeans Week, a silent auction, and United Way pledge cards.
March of Dimes walk
In April, more than 10 GRC employees participated in the March of Dimes 10K (6.2-mile) walk and collected $6,712. With an additional $2,500 grant from The Sallie Mae Fund, the grand total was $9,212. March of Dimes' mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
GRC March of Dimes Walk participants and items auctioned to raise money for the March of Dimes .
GRC, Horseheads, New York
During March, more than $1,600 was raised through daffodil sales, jeans week, and employee donations for the American Cancer Society.
In April GRC employees participated in the March of Dimes Walk and jeans week and collected $4,000, including The Sallie Mae Fund. March of Dimes' Mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
In May, GRC–NY raised over $1,300 for Economic Opportunity Program through donations and jeans week. With an additional $3,000 grant from The Sallie Mae Fund, the grand total was $4,300. EOP provides services to create a positive change in individuals, families, and the community. EOP's three primary focuses are family development, child care, and youth care.
The 2006 United Way fundraising campaign kicked off in August, and employees raised over $15,000 (including Sallie Mae Fund match) for the United Way through "pie-ing" the faces and dunking our leadership team, jeans week, a silent auction, and United Way pledge cards.
In September, GRC raised more than $700 and collected 400 sweatshirts for the Ernie Davis Middle School to keep the students warm. The school is planning to reduce the heat in their building over the winter due to budgetary constraints.