The Pike County School system began a STEM Academy in 2015 with a group of 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Recently, the students participated in their first ever BEST Robotics competition. I reached out to the foundation in order to help the students with expenses related to this competition including sponsorship and team shirts. In preparation for the event, several Thompson employees visited the school to mentor the students and support their efforts. I enjoyed working with these students and attending the competition with them.

I have volunteered for the Child Advocacy Center for more than 10 years as a Victim Advocate. In this role, I help children and non-offending family members through the trial process. This is just one of many things the Child Advocacy Center does to provide a caring environment to help the healing process. Thompson Foundation donations go to the center to keep these vital programs going so one day these children can grow up to be healthy, happy adults.

The mission of the Drug Education Council is to ensure that the issues surrounding substance abuse remain a priority, and that vital assistance is always available for families and individuals in crisis. I have served on the Drug Education Council Board of Directors for the past 27 years, including two terms as chairman. During that time, the support of the Thompson Foundation has helped this agency to grow and adapt to meet the ever-changing challenges of preventing drug abuse in our communities.

The Jackson, MS metro area has a great need for affordable housing and Habitat for Humanity helps to fill this gap by providing houses built largely by volunteers. The cost of these relatively modest homes, which the receiving family helps to construct and finance, has risen to approximately $85,000, even with the involvement of volunteers. Over the years, I have worked through my church on the construction of several Habitat houses and with Habitat fundraising events. The Foundation has been a cornerstone of a 5K fundraiser that I have chaired. Since 2012, thanks to sponsors like the Thompson Foundation, we have worked with several other community churches to build seven Habitat homes. I am proud to be part of a company that gives back to the community in such a fundamental way.

My supervisor encouraged me to become involved in some type of community service and as the grandfather of two autistic children, it was obvious that the Chattanooga Autism Center was where I needed to volunteer. I work with the planning committee for the various annual events that the CAC puts on. They conduct a large conference in the spring that parents, teachers and autism service organizations attend. Teachers are able to obtain their required continuing education certificates at the conference. The Thompson Foundation supports me and my efforts with dollars so the CAC can do more.