Spirit AeroSystems

Heartspring has always considered the community to be a partner in our mission of helping children with special needs grow and learn on a path to greater independence. This year, Spirit AeroSystems Good Neighbor Fund volunteers have embraced that partnership and touched a lot of lives at Heartspring.

The Good Neighbor Fund is an employee-run giving program. Spirit employees contribute to the fund throughout the year and an employee-elected board of directors determines where funds are allocated. This year, Heartspring was grateful to receive a Good Neighbor Fund grant of $50,000 to support the Pediatric Services Financial Assistance Fund. This grant will help families who cannot afford the cost of their child’s therapy. Spirit employees who participate in the Good Neighbor Fund program also donate their time to help organizations through volunteer projects.

Saturday, July 14th was a busy day at Heartspring. Approximately 40 volunteers from the Good Neighbor Fund spent the morning washing all of the exterior windows on campus and cleaning all of the vehicles that are used to transport students around town. The volunteers were back on campus that afternoon to sponsor a “Splash Party” for the residential students. Wading pools, sprinklers, plenty of water balloons and squirt guns helped everyone cool off on a very hot day. The following weekend, Spirit volunteers hosted a tropical-themed dance, complete with palm trees and leis, for students in the recreation center.

The students in the Vocational Training Program at Heartspring recently completed a project for the Good Neighbor Fund, preparing almost 2,000 lapel pins to be distributed to the employees who participate in the program. Joseph Onijala, Spirit Corporate Communications, was very impressed with the work the students completed. “I was very proud to show the people in my work group the tremendous work your students have done. Please help share our sincerest thanks to all the students who worked on the project,” he said.

According to Leigh Horsley, Director of Development at Heartspring, the relationship between Spirit and Heartspring is very special. “This group is amazing. Each time they have visited our campus, we are impressed with the genuine care they show for the children. These are people who truly want to make a difference in our community and we are honored by their support.”

“Spirit AeroSystems and its employees are proud to give back to their communities,” said David Poynter, Spirit Community Affairs. “We strive to ensure our employees have many opportunities throughout the year to give their time, talents and dollars to those who need it the most.”

How You Can Help

Volunteering is a wonderful way to learn more about Heartspring and the services that we provide to children with special needs. There are individual and group opportunities for volunteering. This time can be used to earn service hours for school, learn more about a possible profession or just give back to the community. Corporations also have the opportunity to support Heartspring, both monetarily as well as by volunteering. Make a difference in the life of a child by volunteering today. Complete an individual or group volunteer application, or contact our volunteer office for more information.