Battelle has announced that the company will donate $1 million to three central Ohio organizations to provide increased emergency support because of the coronavirus pandemic, Battelle released on Wednesday.
“It is well known that, in normal times, most of Battelle’s philanthropic efforts center around STEM education initiatives,” explained Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle and 2020 Wash100 Award. “Given the impact that the pandemic is having on the health and well-being of our community, we turned to three trusted partners to understand the challenges they and their clients are facing so that Battelle could offer targeted support.”
Battelle will donate $500,000 to the YMCA of Central Ohio. Since the beginning of this crisis, the YMCA has worked to expand emergency shelter access to over 200 people, stand up pandemic childcare sites and services for first responders and launched a virtual phone health and wellness program. The company will support emergency efforts and the staff to serve the needs of our community.
“Battelle is a pillar of the Columbus community as evidenced by their groundbreaking research and development in response to the COVID-19 crisis,” said President and CEO of YMCA of Central Ohio Tony Collins. “The YMCA of Central Ohio is grateful for Battelle’s commitment to our community, city and state. We are also incredibly grateful for Battelle’s generous philanthropic support of the YMCA so we can provide essential human services support to our community during this time of crisis.”
The company will also allocate $250,000 to the Community Shelter Board (CSB). Battelle’s gift for homeless prevention programming will provide a safety net for those who may miss rent or house payments. “You can’t stay home if you don’t have a home,” said Michelle Heritage, executive director of Community Shelter Board. “With incredible partners like Battelle by our side, we are fighting to save the lives of those most vulnerable in our community.”
The final $250,000 will be donated to LifeCare Alliance (Meals on Wheels). Serving five central Ohio counties and delivering meals 365 days a year, LifeCare Alliance is one of the largest Meals-on-Wheels providers in the country, and the only provider that offers a daily delivery.
Battelle’s support will provide 75,000 meals purchased, packaged and delivered to seniors in need during the pandemic. In addition to Battelle’s relief efforts released on Thursday, the company has donated $250,000 to food banks and food rescues in several communities where it has a significant presence in lieu of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the company announced in March 2020.
“As we rapidly research and develop tools and diagnostics to fight this virus, we’re going to financially support those among us who are at greatest risk. When the country has most needed us during our 90-year history, Battelle always has risen to the challenge, and this time will be no different,” said Von Thaer.
Battelle’s donations will be made in $50,000 allotments to five different agencies: the Mid-Ohio Food Bank in Central Ohio; the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington D.C.; the Community Food Bank of New Jersey’s Egg Harbor Township location; the Boulder Food Rescue in Colorado; and the Maryland Food Bank in Aberdeen.
The Mid-Ohio Food Bank serves Central Ohio, location of Battelle’s headquarters as well as research facilities in West Jefferson and Hilliard. “We are incredibly grateful to Battelle, an extraordinary organization that has been on the journey of connecting food to our hungry neighbors with Mid-Ohio Foodbank for decades,” said Matt Habash, President & CEO, Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.
