The Martin Center receives Wal Mart grant thanks to The Junior League of Stark County Collaboration

IN THE PHOTO:

Massillon Walmart store manager Fran Jackson (left), Terry Hunka (TMC Director - middle left), Stephanie Helline (Junior League of Stark County President - middle right) and Tina Linton (right), member of the
Ohio State Giving Council.

The Martin Center (TMC) received a $25,000 grant award from the Massillon Walmart to build a new kitchen that will help TMC continue its fight against hunger in Canton.

In the spring of 2015, The Junior League of Stark County (JLSC) membership voted to partner with TMC for a three-year commitment. A top priority -- getting a kitchen for the center so food could be prepared on site, as opposed to being brought in. A grant writing committee was formed to explore additional funding to make this goal a reality.

In addition to securing funding for the kitchen, the JLSC has been a regular contributor for meals, and was instrumental in getting TMC a much needed van. The Northern Ohio Golf Charities provided the grant for the 12-passenger Chevrolet van. This will be used for taking kids to camp, picking kids up for TMC nights

and so much more. JLSC is also working on helping TMC renovate the Clifford House, which is across the street from TMC. It will be used by PAL Mission and will serve as temporary housing for those in need.

Established in 2011, The Martin Center (TMC) website states that it exists to bring together like-minded organizations to have an eternal impact on the students and communities in Canton. "We collaborate with local non-profits and ministries to provide Christ-centered opportunities in athletics, academics, and life-applicable programming. It is our belief that hosting multiple organizations in one location will increase collaboration; consequently, the community will prosper and Christ’s love will change lives."

For more than 76 years, The Junior League of Stark County, Ohio, Inc. (JLSC) has striven to positively impact the Stark County community by investing in the lives of others. The Junior League of Stark County is comprised of women who believe that together we can make a difference. Our membership consists of over 300 women, representing diverse professions, backgrounds and interests. Since 1937, The Junior League of Stark County has contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service to positively impact the communities in which we live. The Junior League of Stark County is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The Junior League of Stark County, Ohio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and
leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League of Stark County reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. If you would like to learn more about The Junior League of Stark County, and explore joining, please contact our office at 330-491-4552, visit their FACEBOOK page or email: admin@jlstarkcounty.org.

To learn more about TMC, please visit their website:tmccanton.wix.com/the-m... or call 1-866-607-4096 (please leave a message).