Mercedes-Benz Helps Kids of Jersey City Get Ready for Summer Camp

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MONTVALE, NJ, July 5, 2011 -- Dozens of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) employees recently took part in a day of community service benefiting New City Kids of Jersey City, NJ -- a nonprofit organization established in 2000 to provide leadership development and performing arts opportunities to at-risk children and teenagers in Jersey City. This effort is part of MBUSA's year-long celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the invention of the automobile, during which the company and its employees will partner to reach their goal of 125 actions of community service in 2011.

For New City Kids, specific volunteer activities included building and installation of a community garden, mural design, painting, shed building, basement shelving and overall clean-up/facility organization. In addition to employee time, more than $20,000 was donated in funds and supplies by MBUSA and employees, in total. Students belonging to New City Kids will also be given the opportunity to visit the MBUSA corporate headquarters in Montvale, NJ for ongoing educational opportunities.

"Our employees have a long history in supporting and giving back to the communities in which they live and work," stated Stephen Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, MBUSA. "This is a core business driver of our organization and what better way is there to celebrate 125 years of Mercedes-Benz heritage than by doing 'the right thing.' This was a success and a great reward for everyone involved."

Vital to the success of the day was the partnership with Bergen Communities United (BCU), a community-based collaboration largely responsible for coordinating the creation of the Community Garden. Mike Selender, BCU Steering Committee member, worked closely with New City Kids and Mercedes-Benz to develop the specific steps toward the garden's completion. Also integral to the project's success was support from the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation that invested more than $16,000 in infrastructure through land, water and electric service.

"We are grateful for the involvement of our community partners and are excited to work alongside Mercedes-Benz USA, not only because they committed to helping us revitalize our facility -- but because this partnership will grow into an ongoing, educational opportunity for the children of New City Kids," stated Wendy Eaton, Communications Director at New City Kids. "It's tough to find committed sponsors - particularly during a recession - and we're looking forward to all the possibilities to come."

About New City Kids

New City Kids was established in 2000 to provide leadership development and performing arts opportunities to at-risk children and teenagers in Jersey City. As a local nonprofit organization, New City Kids offers a comprehensive plan to help high-need children to prepare for a life of success through several key programs, including: after school programs, summer camp, a teen life internship program and job fairs. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, college matriculation was at 100%.

At New City Kids, children have a strong sense of ownership in their own lives, choices and futures.