TAFT — Dow recently awarded approximately $35,000 to eight non-profit organizations for a broad array of projects in local communities in St. Charles Parish with the site’s 2005 Community Grant Program.

This is the third year of Dow’s Community Grant Program, which has cumulatively given more than $119,000 in funding to 20 local organizations for 29 community projects.

The grants were selected on a competitive basis, with a committee of St. Charles Operations employees and St. Charles Parish community residents reviewing the proposals and selecting the projects that best matched the criteria for the program.

The non-profit organizations were required to submit proposals on projects that would produce results, have a direct impact in the community and benefit many people.

“The projects that Dow is funding are diverse and reach a broad cross-section of our parish,” said Nawzer Parakh, St. Charles Operations Site Leader. “We are proud to partner with these organizations through Dow’s Community Grant Program, as we work together in improving the quality of life for neighbors in our community.”

He added, “Several of these projects are now more necessary than ever in order to repair damage from the recent hurricanes and to allow our residents and our parish to begin the return to normalcy.”

Local grant recipients and project descriptions include: LeBranche Wetland Watchers at Harry Hurst Middle School for several student environmental projects; the St. Charles Community Outreach Foundation for a creative arts camp for at-risk children; Luling Elementary School to provide community cleanup and education on littering through the Luling Land Lab; St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Department for revitalization of the Des Allemands Boat Launch; and the St. Charles Soccer Club for repair to fields damaged by the hurricanes.

Other recipients include: Destrehan High School for art workshops for community children; the John B. Davis Education Building for the creation of a reading, math and homework assistance program to help children in the Killona area; and Child Advocacy Services for the creation of a project to help children from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade learn about and protect themselves against abuse.