UPS donates $35K to Community Passageways in Renton

The $35,000 check to Community Passageways will go towards youth development and justice-involved community programs.

By Renton Reporter Staff • December 19, 2022 6:30 am

The holiday season is in fully swing. Christmas lights and holiday festivities brighten even the darkest of nights. It’s a joyous time. But for low-income families, who are living paycheck to paycheck, it can be an extremely stressful time.

More than half of full-time working Black and Hispanic families cannot afford basic needs, according to a study by researchers at Brandeis University’s diversitydatakids.org program. Purchasing gifts for children and loved ones creates additional anxiety, especially when basic expenses are difficultly met.

During a benefit and gift-giving event at the Renton Community Center, local nonprofit Community Passageways received a $35,000 grant from The UPS Foundation to be used toward youth development and justice involved community programs with a focus on ending recidivism.

Community Passageways programs are driven by the belief that guidance and support are more effective in inspiring people to make positive choices, seeing their unlimited potential and envisioning a future where they are able to live their lives fully.

From reducing prison sentences to developing thriving young adults, Community Passageway’s impact on young people and the community is wide-reaching.

The event was hosted by the Black Equality Coalition (BEC) a King County community group that creates resource events which help the advancement of equality, justice, and inclusion of African-Americans through corporate, non-profit and community collaboration.

Hundreds of gifts were donated and wrapped to be given to under-served families locally, including essential household items such as new bedding and wash towel sets. UPS and community volunteers wrapped gifts that will be delivered later this month.

UPS Chief of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Laura Lane, CEO and Founder of Community Passageways Dominique Davis, and CEO and Founder of Black Equality Coalition Anthony Curtis participated in the check presentation and volunteer event on Saturday.