YORK, Pa. -- Rutter's Farm Stores has announced another set of charitable donations totaling $130,000 to four Central Pennsylvania community organizations. Rutter's will give $50,000 to the York County Public Library system to provide two years of free Internet access at computers in the libraries. The donation comes at a time when requests for access to the Internet from the libraries' computers have risen 24%, the company said.
"The Internet is not so much a luxury as it is a necessity these days," said Scott Hartman, Rutter's CEO. "We want to help people stay connected and provide access to those who may not have a computer, or have had to give up Internet access in their home because of economic struggles. We also know the Internet is a valuable tool for those searching for work."
The newly formed Rutter's Scholar Program at York College of Pennsylvania will also receive $25,000. The donation will be used to award academic scholarships for eligible students to attend York College's high school affiliate, York Country Day School, which has programs for children beginning at age 3 and lasting through grade 12.
A $25,000 gift from Rutter's was given to the Dover, Pa., branch of the YMCA. The contribution will help support the group's early childhood education programs, including scholarships for those in need.
The final $30,000 portion of Rutter's charitable donation will be given to Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania in part for Rutter's continued sponsorship of the "Going Green" initiative specifically designed for fourth graders. Another part of the donation will be used to sponsor Planet Earth, a new program within JA Biztown which is a simulated business managed by students and which focuses on the environment.
"Today, more than ever, charitable organizations need business community financial support," said Hartman. "Investing in organizations that educate children, promote a healthy environment, and provide a necessary service to the public are ways that we can make our communities better."
In addition, Rutter's has made several other significant contributions this year to various area programs, most of which focus on children. Programs such as The Crispus Attucks Association of York, which is a comprehensive, non-profit entity that provides education services, human services, community development and affordable housing and enhances the quality of life for a diverse population; the Hanover YMCA, which used the proceeds to build a room focused specifically on the fitness needs of children, aptly named the Rutter's Youth Fitness Room; and the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania, whose mission is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
To date during 2011, 17 area charities have received donations from Rutter's, totaling more than $288,000.
Rutter's has been active in the local community since its beginning in 1921; 90 years later and under the family's third generation of leadership, Rutter's has expanded the dairy's interests to include Maryland and New Jersey in addition to Pennsylvania, and operates 56 convenience stores throughout central Pennsylvania.
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