PILC youth, Board members, staff and employees of ConocoPhillips Exploration and Production were all smiles during the company’s presentation of much-needed funds.
ConocoPhillips Exploration & Production Panhandle Operations extended encouragement to youth with disabilities by presenting a gift of $2,250 to Panhandle Independent Living Center.
The grant represents the company’s second major contribution, following a previous gift of $1,000 last July. The funds directly support PILC’s Youth Encountering Success (YES) after-school and summer programs.
The YES program has become one of the Center’s most important missions. Under the direction of Cynthia Pacheco, the program offers vocational field trips, motivational speakers and recreation. Up to 25 students ages 12 to 21 may participate in the ten-week summer program with students accepted from the 26-county Panhandle region. The program promotes self-confidence and the ability to make positive choices after high school graduation.
YES students representing five Amarillo area schools accepted the gift presented by Dumas-Pampa Production Foreman Randy Campbell and Philanthropic Committee Members Milt Hoefling and Hector Bernal. Mr. Campbell said, “ConocoPhillips believes in you and supports you, and this gift comes from all of us who care about helping young people succeed.”
The company’s two contributions will fund the YES program’s supplies and recreational expenses beginning in June. The gift may also be used to help with transportation costs, program awards and T-shirts. Such corporate gifts enable all students to participate in the summer program at no cost.
The ConocoPhillips grant is made possible by the employees’ personal donations that are matched by the company. In recognition of ConocoPhillips’ remarkable support, the YES students and Board members presented a plaque that said, “Your friendship and encouragement keep us moving and growing – thanks for helping our kids.”
