CITGO Fueling Good Project Supports After-School Program for At Risk Youth

Spring Initiative Receives CITGO Gift Cards to Help Middle School Program

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Mar 19, 2014, 11:35 ET

CLARKSDALE, Miss., March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation today announced the Spring Initiative of Clarksdale, Miss. as a 2013 Fall Fueling Good winner. The Coahoma County organization will receive $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards to supply student transportation to the after-school program for at-risk middle school students.

Spring Initiative's mission is to provide an atmosphere that fosters education by promoting positive mentor relationships and creative expression. Since August 2011, the organization has played a key role in transforming the lives of students across the Clarksdale area, a region suffering from high poverty rates and low academic performance. Recognizing the need to support the next generation, Spring Initiative's program empowers youth to develop their full potential so that they have the freedom to choose their life's path according to their talents and desires.

"Every day our staff and volunteers drive up to 45 minutes before the program to pick the students up and transport them to the Education Building where Spring is housed -- and we have between two and four 45 minute trips after the program each day to drop the students off at their homes," said Bianca Zaharescu, Spring co-director. "Having the funds to pay for gas is fundamental to our success, and goes a long way in supporting student participation and retention in our program. We thank CITGO and the Fueling Good program for their support in helping to make that mission possible."

In addition to daily transportation, Spring Initiative conducts college visits and field trips to encourage students to dream big; for many, college has never been considered. To date, Spring's students have improved both their educational abilities and goals.

"It is Spring Initiative's mission to support students through a program that gives children the tools and confidence to pursue a bright future filled with academic competence and determination," added Anja Thiessen, Spring co-director.

Since 2009, the CITGO Fueling Good programs have rewarded more than 220 organizations, further helping them to do good in their own communities. Visit www.FuelingGood.com for more information. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information visit www.CITGO.com.

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