Two key businesses within The Timken Company’s Industrial Motion group, belts and chains, gave back to the local community by preparing 40 solar car kits for donation to the Ozarks Regional YMCA.
“Our company understands the importance and the significance of being a good corporate citizen,” said Matt Stoneburner, general sales manager – belts and chain. “We strive to make a positive impact in the local communities where our customers and employees work and live.”
Timken partnered with Impact 4 Good, a company that focuses on teambuilding programs to give back to the community. For this event, Timken selected “Go GREEN Racing.” Go Green Racing focuses on the importance of youth learning about science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), and alternative energy from an early age.
During a highly energized and competitive program, teams used creativity and ingenuity to build solar cars in preparation for an exciting tournament. The event also resulted in the donation of solar car classroom kits to the Ozarks Regional YMCA. These kits allowed youth members of the YMCA to be introduced to and learn about STEM education in a hands-on manner. Timken associates provided hand-written messages of encouragement with each solar kit to motivate and inspire the children. Children from the Ozarks Regional YMCA came to surprise the participants, complete a race and thank them for the generous donation.
The Ozarks Regional YMCA was established in Springfield in 1888. Their association is made up of seven family centers. Their programs, services, and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind, and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. Their after-school programs have an academic support piece that games in core areas of math, science, and literacy.
“On behalf of the Ozarks Regional YMCA, I want to thank you for the donation of the 40 solar car kits and the opportunity for our students to participate in your event,” said Megan Outersky, executive director of school age services – Ozarks Regional YMCA. “This could be what grabs a child’s attention and leads them into a career of STEM…and possibly an engineer with Timken!”
Following the event and donation of solar car kits, Timken will be donating an additional $2,500 to support the Ozarks Regional YMCA after-school programs and initiatives.
