CITGO Lemont Refinery Donation To Help Local United Way Chapter Provide Social Services

LEMONT, Ill., Nov. 25, 2013 /3BL Media/ -- The CITGO Lemont Refinery donated $201,765.60 to the United Way of Will County, surpassing their fundraising goal by more than $9,000. The money was raised during the 2013 "Give Your Share to Show You Care" Workplace Campaign, by more than 570 CITGO employees, including support from the United Steel Workers Union (USW) and matching funds from CITGO Petroleum Corporation. The proceeds directly benefit the United Way of Will County, which supports more than 46 partner agencies and community programs across Will County, Illinois.

"On behalf of everyone at the United Way of Will County and especially our partner agencies, I want to express our sincere thanks to the CITGO Lemont Refinery and their wonderful employees on the success of their 2013 United Way Campaign," said Mike Hennessy, President and CEO of the United Way of Will County.  "The funds raised this year will be used to help children and youth succeed, families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency, strengthen neighborhoods, and maintain a safety net of essential human care services.  With the need for support greater than ever, CITGO Lemont Refinery employees stepped up to make a major difference in our community, giving not only money but volunteering many hours in the past year to a variety of local charities. We thank CITGO, their wonderful employees, and members of the United Steel Workers Union for everything they do and look forward to their continued success." 

Support for the United Way by CITGO Lemont Refinery employees takes place year round.  Many employees choose to contribute through automatic payroll deductions each month to ensure ongoing support for the programs and services that have the greatest need.  The highlight of the fundraising year came at the annual "Oktoberfest" picnic on October 2, which served as a kickoff to the 2013-2014 United Way Campaign. During the picnic, employees enjoyed an afternoon of food, festive live music, and activities. Leading United Way partner agencies from across Will County, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will & Grundy Counties, Community Service Council of Northern Will County, Senior Services Center of Will County, and the Greater Joliet Area YMCA, showcased for CITGO employees how United Way funds are used and provided volunteer and partnership opportunities.  In addition to the event, employees also participated in special contests, raffles and an online auction.

More than 46 charities and community groups from across Will County and surrounding areas receive funding and guidance from the United Way of Will County. They are vital in ensuring these diverse organizations can operate and serve local families in a variety of ways.  Recipients include Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center in Joliet, Ill., an organization committed to providing health, counseling and developmental support to at-risk youth, Lamb's Fold Women's Center which provides housing and domestic violence support to homeless women and children, and United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland which assists individuals and families touched by cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

The CITGO Lemont Refinery employs more than 800 local residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy.  In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 6,000 locally-owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community.  Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs.  For more information on the CITGO Lemont Refinery, visit www.citgorefining.com/Lemont.

CITGO, which is based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products.  The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  For more information, visit www.CITGO.com