SALISBURY – Innospec Limited, through its Innospec Cares global initiative, has presented $12,722 in donations to four area nonprofit organizations as part of the company’s goal of expanding its community impact.

The company made matching charitable gifts recently to Rowan County United Way, Rowan Helping Ministries, Gateway Freedom Center, and Capstone Recovery Center.

John Struzick, manufacturing financial manager for Innospec’s Salisbury and High Point facilities, said the gifts were part of the company’s commitment to the community.

“The four nonprofits received Innospec Cares donations in addition to $6,361 they had already received in employee donations,” Struzick said. “Innospec Cares encourages employee giving by matching their gifts $2 for $1 up to $5,000 per charity.

“Innospec Cares — it’s not just a slogan or a program. It is a formal demonstration of the company’s commitment to supporting the needs of local communities that are most important to our employees. Our Salisbury employees are thrilled to have these four local agencies chosen to receive donations from Innospec Cares.” 

Officials with the agencies receiving the gifts expressed gratitude.

Jackie Harris, associate director of Rowan County United Way said the agency values its partnership with Innospec.

“We appreciate their willingness to be involved in our community problem solving, distribution of our funds and financial support,” Harris said. “This $5,000 check will assist many individuals and families in Rowan County with critical needs. Innospec truly makes an impact in our community.”

 Kyna Grubb, executive director of Rowan Helping Ministries, said the $3,360 gift to her agency will support the Why Give in July in Campaign, which raises funds for the Crisis Assistance Network.

“This program helps families on the brink of financial crisis,” Grubb said. “Families have added expenses in the summer from feeding children who are out of school and larger utility bills to stay cool.  The assistance we provide helps families and individuals who are struggling with a health or other financial crisis bridge the gap and maintain stable housing.”

This is not the first time Innospec has helped the agency, Grubb said.

“Innospec’s Salisbury facility and its individual employees have been loyal and generous supporters of Rowan Helping Ministries,” she said. “We value them as community partners in serving the needs of low-income individuals and families in Rowan County.”

Kathy White, executive director of Gateway Freedom Center, said support from Innospec and its employees would support the vision and mission of the center.

“In particular the funds raised and given by Innospec will help the Gateway Freedom Center to provide a portion of the programming funds for the six men enrolled in GFC’s certified training,” she said. “The funding donated will be used to keep the facility safe, transport the men to and from work, for job hunting, training for the twenty-eight day GFC certification, utilities and food.”

 Miriam Ramirez, executive director of Capstone Recovery Center, also described Innospec’s ongoing support.

“Thanks to last year’s $2,000.00 donation from Innospec Cares, our ceiling was replaced and a serious accident was avoided,” Ramirez said. “Our ceiling was cracked and bulging and about to fall in.  We are so grateful for the new ceiling!”

She said classes have resumed in the living room of the center, which provides free residential treatment for women with substance abuse issues. This year’s $2,010 donation will provide  furnishings for the classes, she said. 

This is the third year Innospec Cares is supporting employees’ charitable work by making $150,000 available worldwide through matching funds and direct donations to nonprofits.

The goal of Innospec Cares is not to replace the usual charitable donations of local branches, but to add to them.  This funding is available in addition to donations already being made by operating units throughout the world.

Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company with 1,800 employees spanning 23 countries.  In North Carolina, Innospec manufactures ingredients for personal care products – body washes, sunscreens, deodorants and many others.