Upstate Giving, Aug. 21

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TD Bank awards $10,000 to Trees Upstate

Employees of Greenville’s TD Bank celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with a $10,000 donation toward TreesUpstate.

TD Bank has been a corporate partner of TreesUpstate since 2007 and has helped plant 702 trees so far through the TD Tree Days initiative, an annual community-based program that expands urban forests and green spaces in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, according to a news release. Employees voted to select the nonprofit for their donation.

“We’ve been planting trees with TD Bank employees every year since 2012,” Joelle Teachey, executive director of TreesUpstate, said in the release. “Being selected as the recipient for this grant from TD Bank employees is so exciting. We value our relationship with TD Bank and their employees. We are honored that they voted for us to receive this award.

Since 2005, TreesUpstate has planted or given away more than 16,000 trees, according to the news release.

“We are thankful for our long-standing partnership with TreesUpstate,” Bruce Benson, retail market manager for TD Bank, said in the release. “Their staff and volunteers work tirelessly to enhance and protect greenspaces across the Upstate, and we are thrilled to recognize their efforts with this grant.”

Dollar General Literacy Foundation gifts $68,000

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation will offer $68,000 in literacy grants to 25 South Carolina schools, libraries and nonprofits.

“This year, many teachers, libraries and literacy organizations are facing new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer and Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member, said in a news release. “Despite the unprecedented obstacles, we admire the tremendous efforts and commitments from educators as they work to provide students with the tools they need to develop their literacy skills. We hope these funds will help support their plans to advance learning and deliver quality instruction in our hometown communities.”

Upstate recipients include Ellen Woodside Elementary, Honea Path Middle School, Alexander Elementary School, Lead Academy Public Charter School, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, Thornwell Home for Children, Wild Hearts Equine Therapeutic Center Inc., Central Academy of the Arts and AMIkids White Pines, according to the release.