Cox Cares: Cox Breaks Ground on Third Habitat Project
For the third consecutive year, Cox Industries is sponsoring an Edisto Habitat for Humanity house for a deserving family in Orangeburg, South Carolina. This year, Cox welcomes two co-sponsors to the project; AMCO Construction and Home Builders Supply, both are local, family-owned businesses with strong ties to the building community. Together, we will sponsor the entire cost of the project and provide all of the volunteer labor.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th. After a brief ceremony, construction will begin on the 1,100 square foot, three bedroom house. This residence will have a greater focus on energy efficiency - from windows to wall construction. After just six weeks (5 volunteer workdays) of construction, painting and landscaping, Cox employees will move the family into their new home on December 5th...just in time for Christmas.
The house will be occupied by a single mother named Monica and her two sons; Naron, age 8, and Ja’Quex, age 6. Ja’Quex is autistic and requires some special accommodations. Monica will soon deliver her third child and is excited for the opportunity to raise her family in a safe, clean environment. Monica has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Jolly Acres Nursing Home (Orangeburg) since 1998. Her administrator wrote a glowing letter of recommendation on her behalf, describing her strong work ethic, character and dependability. She has met all of the requirements of the Habitat program in more than a timely manner.
Jamie Bozardt, Executive Director for Edisto Habitat for Humanity, praised the partnership with Cox, saying it has made a "tremendous impact" on the lives of two families. "The fact that Cox continues to partner with us and raise funds in the Orangeburg area has changed the lives of these families and has helped them realize their dream of home ownership" says Bozardt. By example, Cox has led other companies to join in this very worthy cause. Albemarle Corporation, a chemical manufacturer located across the street from Cox headquarters, has volunteered to sponsor the first Habitat house of 2010, citing Cox’s model as a motivator for their participation.
Home foreclosures, high unemployment and economic uncertainty have combined
to create a dark cloud over many families in recent months,
but Orangeburg-based Cox Industries will be bringing some light into the darkness.
-Times and Democrat (Orangeburg newspaper)
Article from September 14, 2009
Although tough economic times pose huge challenges this year, Cox remains committed to helping our community and fellow citizens. "Today's economic pressures and the stress of the holiday season often distract us from the things that are truly important," Mikee Johnson, Cox CEO, said. "Our communities pulling together to welcome a family to their new home, just in time for Christmas, is a truly powerful experience."
In 2007, Cox constructed a four bedroom house for a single mother of six children (all under the age of 13) and in 2008, a three bedroom home for a single grandmother of three. Employees helped furnish each home, including a decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath.
Cox recently kicked off its employee fundraising campaign and received contribution pledges for over $9,000. Contribution levels include the Hammer Club-$50, Sub-Contractor Club-$100 and Contractor Club-$400. "We are excited and proud of the interest and generosity of our employees...they are vital to the success of this project", states Pam Bedenbaugh, Corporate Communications for Cox Industries.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Cox Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Campaign may contact Pam Bedenbaugh (803) 928-5042 or via email at pamb@coxwood.com. All donations are tax deductible and should be made payable to Edisto Habitat for Humanity. Please mail to Cox Industries, Attn: Habitat Campaign, PO Box 1124, Orangeburg, SC 29116.
