Pilgrim’s to Invest $160,000 in Elberton to Support Local Community as Part of New Hometown Strong Initiative
Building on its ongoing sustainability and social responsibility efforts, Pilgrim’s today announced plans to invest $160,000 in Elberton, Ga., to support the community’s future and help respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Pilgrim’s worked with local leaders to identify where the funds can best help meet immediate and longer-term community needs.
The company has selected two Hometown Strong funding recipients – the Blackwell Community Center and Elbert Memorial Hospital. Pilgrim’s is providing $117,000 to the Blackwell Community Center to upgrade its community classrooms and the gymnasium. The company is also contributing $33,000 to Elbert Memorial Hospital for COVID-19 projects that include providing PPE, renovating nurses’ stations and the patient registration area, and adding glass walls and doors to better protect staff and patients.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work closely with our community and support these meaningful, important projects,” said Andrew Downey, Pilgrim’s Elberton Operations Manager. “In collaboration with the Blackwell Community Center and Elbert Memorial Hospital, we want to make our hometown a better, safer place for everyone.”
“The Blackwell Memorial Cultural Center exists to serve our community by building a better tomorrow for all of our citizens by offering outstanding resources and venues for the community to access,” said Bobby G. Hunt, director, Blackwell Memorial Center. “On behalf of the Blackwell Community, I extend a warm expression of gratitude to Pilgrim’s for partnering with us to continue to upgrade this historical site.”
“Elbert Memorial Hospital is truly honored to receive this amazing donation from Pilgrim’s,” said Kerry Trapnell, chief executive officer, Elbert Memorial Hospital. “We are blessed to have such a great organization like Pilgrim’s that is willing to invest in the healthcare needs of our community.”
The Pilgrim’s Elberton facility employs more than 320 people with an annual payroll of more than $11 million. Consistent with its long-term commitment to the local economy, Pilgrim’s Elberton has invested nearly $22 million in capital improvements over the last five years.
Pilgrim’s anchors dozens of rural communities – operating more than 30 meat poultry and prepared foods facilities and employing 31,000-plus people in the United States. Nationally, the Hometown Strong initiative is a $20 million investment from Pilgrim’s, which is part of a $50 million nationwide contribution from JBS USA. Visit hometownstrong.jbssa.com to learn more.