Chrysler Group Volunteers "Brush Up" the Friendly Center in North Toledo, Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After servicing the North Toledo Corridor Area neighborhood for more than 85 years, the Friendly Center (http://www.friendly-center.org) received a makeover Saturday, October 15, courtesy of Toledo-area Chrysler Group employees.

More than 60 volunteers from Chrysler Group's Toledo Assembly Complex and Toledo Machining Plant gave the Friendly Center's classrooms, offices, hallways and gym a fresh coat of paint. The makeover at the neighborhood center is part of Chrysler Group's Community Action Day initiative, which encourages employee volunteerism and community involvement.

"Chrysler Group's Community Action Day will positively impact the community by creating a welcoming environment for the youth and adults that use our facility," said Friendly Center Board President Jeri Piehl.

"The presence of Chrysler Group volunteers – that live and work in our community – giving back in such a significant manner will improve neighborhood spirit and hopefully serve as a catalyst to others," she continued.

Friendly Center, in partnership with the United Methodist Church Global Board of Ministries, is an agency of social concern committed to the development of its neighborhood and its people. The Center provides programs and services that include emergency/food/hygiene products, after-school and summer enrichment programs, adult education classes, senior fellowship and recreation to a neighborhood of more than 12,000 people from mixed-ethnic backgrounds. 

"Chrysler Group's relationship to Toledo is very important," said Mauro Pino, Plant Manager – Toledo Assembly Complex. "Everyone, from the local government and business community to the outstanding residents of this city, is incredibly supportive of our operation here. In return, we believe that it is our duty to use our skills and resources to reinvest in our community and help our neighbors."

"Community Action Day also underscores the importance that Chrysler Group places on employee volunteerism" added Don DeKeyser, Toledo Machining Plant Manager. "We see volunteerism and community involvement as a key part of creating responsive, healthy and attractive communities."

An estimated 325 volunteer hours and more than 100 gallons of paint and primer will be used to give the center a new look. This is the fifth Chrysler Group Community Action Day since October 2010. In that time, nearly 400 U.S. Chrysler Group employees have contributed 1,400 volunteer hours to the following community organizations:

The Baldwin Center, Pontiac, Mich., July 2011 – Volunteers carried-out a variety of tasks, including painting, gardening and landscaping; tuning up vehicles and bicycles; and building an extension on to the porch.

Kokomo Rescue Mission, Kokomo/Frankfurt, Ind., April 2011 – Volunteers painted four of the rescue mission's facilities.

Forgotten Harvest, Oak Park, Mich., January 2011 and October 2010 – Volunteers repackaged food for distribution to emergency food providers in southeast Michigan.

Earlier this year in January, employees commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a week of community service activities throughout SE Michigan.   

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

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