AFL Presents $7,500 Grant to Children’s Security Blanket

21/11/2011

Spartanburg, SC – Last week, AFL’s community advisory board presented a $7,500 grant to the Children’s Security Blanket Inc. (CSB) of Spartanburg, SC in support of the 5th annual Toys R Us Christmas Celebration. The event is an initiative to provide an opportunity for children undergoing cancer treatment, along with their siblings, to shop for Christmas presents.

With extended hospital stays, medications and other expenses, finances become a struggle for the families Children’s Security Blanket support. This event helps alleviate some of the season’s money worries. During this event, CSB provided 54 children who have cancer with a $75 gift card, and their siblings with a $25 gift card.

“Words of praise and appreciation will never express our most sincere thanks for receiving this grant,” said Tom Russell, CSB President and co-founder. “AFL has, without a doubt, made Christmas much happier and less stressful for over fifty families.”

The mission of the Children’s Security Blanket is to provide financial support, connect those in need with those who can assist, and deliver hope to families whose children have been diagnosed with and are receiving treatment for cancer. The CSB provides transportation, lodging and meals for families as they travel to hospitals and treatment centers. The CSB also hosts a summer day camp, a monthly support group with a qualified counselor, and several events such as the Toys R Us Christmas Party to provide an atmosphere of support and happiness for the sick child.

For additional information on AFL and the AFL’s Community Outreach Program, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL:
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting both the central office and outside plant areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About The Children’s Security Blanket:
Tom Russell and Carol Moeller founded The Security Blanket in 2001 to meet various needs of families of children coping with cancer treatments. The CSB provides a forum for families to share information and for children to meet on common ground. The CSB has partnered with several organizations including Trinity United Methodist Church, The Spartanburg County Foundation, The United Way, the Spartanburg Optimist Club and the Christian Community Foundation. The Children’s Security Blanket’s board consists of sixteen volunteers, and the organization is supported through fundraisers, donations, grants, and community support.

Editorial Contact:
Corie Culp, Public Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com