Ford Volunteers in the U.S. Work From Coast to Coast to Create a Better World

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• The Ford Volunteer Corps in the U.S. is helping to create a better world with a Ford Accelerated Action Day focused on community building.

• Ford has invested $70,000 in tools and supplies to help volunteers complete today's community projects, which are part of Ford Global Week of Caring.  

• The Ford Volunteer Corps in Michigan has linked today's effort with OneSight to collect used eyeglasses for distribution to eye clinics around the world.

The Ford Volunteer Corps is on the job in more than two dozen communities across southeast Michigan and seventeen other states, during a Ford Accelerated Action Day dedicated to community building.

The Ford volunteers in the United States join thousands of their Ford colleagues on six continents in making a world of difference for people in need during the 6th annual Ford Global Week of Caring, September 10-18.

Thousands of Ford employee and retiree volunteers are registered for community service projects in dozens of countries from Europe and Asia to Africa and the Americas. Ford volunteers are working to create a better world by feeding the hungry, repairing shelters, renovating schools and assisting medical relief efforts in their local areas.

"As Americans remember 9/11, Ford and its employees are energized to make a positive difference in their local communities," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "Creating a better world is an important part of Ford's legacy and an important part of its vision for the future. Ford volunteers are actively engaged in making that vision a reality."

Today's volunteer projects were selected by Ford's nonprofit agency partners, and Ford is contributing $70,000 to purchase the tools and materials needed to complete much of the work.

Among the organizations receiving grants are:

Advanced Technology Academy, Dearborn – install playground equipment
Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Detroit – renovate food storage and clothing distribution areas
Community Housing Network, Madison Heights & Waterford – landscaping grounds
First Step, Plymouth – build shed for outdoor equipment
Friends of Highland Recreation Services, White Lake – build wood fencing for property
Friends of the Rouge, Novi – restore shoreline with 1,000 plants
Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp., Detroit – restore historic buildings
The Guidance Center, Flat Rock – install new play yard fencing and mulch
Habitat for Humanity, Detroit, Huron Valley, Macomb, Monroe – building projects
Lutheran Social Services – Danish Village, Rochester Hills – build bocce ball court
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor – create entry garden
Mosaic Youth Theater, Detroit – make interior and exterior improvements
Northville Community Foundation, Northville – build wooden tractor & trailer in farm yard
Penrickton Center for Blind Children, Taylor – build privacy fence
Ruth Ellis Center, Highland Park – repair shelter porch and fire escape
Salvation Army – Glendale Corps, Detroit – renovate kitchen and dining hall
Starfish Family Services, Inkster – construct pantry
Vista Maria, Dearborn Heights – build patios in two courtyards

The Ford Volunteer Corps also has joined forces with OneSight on an eyeglass drive in the Metro Detroit area. Employees and local residents are being asked to bring in their old eyeglasses for free distribution to eye care clinics around the world.

"Ford is known for its legendary vehicles and horsepower, but it also is leading the way in people power with innovative community programs, such as Global Week of Caring," said Janet Lawson, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "Ford volunteers are the face of Ford in the community, building on the company's history of caring and community service, and getting involved in creating a better world."

About Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services

Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services works with community partners to advance driving safety, education and American heritage and community life. The Ford Motor Company Fund has operated for more than 60 years with ongoing funding from Ford Motor Company. The award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life program teaches new drivers through a variety of hands-on and interactive methods. Innovation in education is encouraged through national programs that enhance high school learning and provide college scholarships and university grants. Through the Ford Volunteer Corps, more than 27,000 Ford employees and retirees each year work on projects that better their communities in dozens of countries. For more information, visit www.community.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company