Oshkosh Corp. gives $35,000 to groups in Franklin and Fulton counties

April 20, 2010|By KATE S. ALEXANDER

FULTON COUNTY, PA. -- A charitable foundation of the Oshkosh Corp. donated thousands of dollars last week to local organizations in the home communities of is subsidiary, JLG Industries.

The United Way of Shippensburg, Pa., the Fulton County Food Basket and the Fulton County Catholic Mission were three of eight organizations that received money from the Oshkosh Corp. Foundation.

United Way of Washington County, Md., also received money.

Oshkosh contributed $75,000 to JLG's home communities, according to a company press release.

A total of $35,000 was given to the organizations that serve Franklin and Fulton counties.

Economic struggles hit Fulton County hard, including layoffs at the JLG plant in McConnellsburg, Pa., forcing many residents to turn to charities for assistance, said Connie Stellmacher, vice president of the Oshkosh Corp. Foundation.

"In today's economic conditions, Oshkosh Corp. understands how important these organizations are to thousands of area families and individuals who are struggling just to put food on the table," she said in the release.

As of February, data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry showed Fulton County with an unemployment rate of 13.7 percent.

Of the checks issued by Oshkosh, $10,000 went to the United Way of Shippensburg.

The Fulton County Catholic Mission also received $10,000, while the Fulton County Food Basket received $15,000.

Regional United Way leaders met with Oshkosh Foundation representatives and outlined the programs that could be supported with donations, according to the release.

Oshkosh did not detail what programs would benefit from the donations.

Fulton County Catholic Missions works with local authorities and agencies to aid those in need with basics such as clothing, food, shelter and temporary emergency housing.

Contributions made locally are part of a larger food pantry and community services campaign launched this year by the Oshkosh Corp. Foundation, the company said.

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