Weather Shield LITE Foundation continues mission to give back to community
In 2000, the Weather Shield Lite Foundation was started with the philosophy of giving back to area communities guided by the teaching that, “What you do to the least of my brothers, that you do to me.” (Matthew 25:40).
Since its start more than two decades ago, the LITE Foundation has, through employee contributions, company matches and annual donations by the Schield family, donated more than $2.47 million to local communities fulfilling the organization’s mission statement of :“The employees of Weather Shield are committed to helping people help themselves. Through gifts of time, talent and treasure, we believe that we can help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. Through improved quality of life on a local level, we will be more able to impact the lives of others at state, national and international levels. Our efforts are guided by the teaching that, ‘What you do to the least of my brothers, that you do to me.’ (Matthew 25:40).”
LITE stands for Lives Inspired Through Employees. The foundation is run by a board including Weather Shield employees and a member of the Schield family. Employee committees decide all the grant allocation amounts.
At the annual “LITE Night” celebration on November 29, checks were disbursed to 22 area organizations.
The foundation offers two types of grants: allocation grants, which are awarded to worthy organizations and carry no monetary limit; and contingency funds to help people facing an unexpected emergency or hardship, such as fire, illness or injury. The LITE Foundation distributed a total of $11,600 to 39 individuals for immediate hardship expenses. More than 100 organizations have received grants from the LITE Foundation.
“This year over $60,000 was distributed to help organizations and individuals throughout our communities,” said Craig Schemenauer of the LITE Foundation.
Although the organizations receiving the funds are diverse, they have a shared mission of serving their communities.
Huey’s Hideaway for the development of exhibits for those with special needs. The museum had over 4,000 visitors in 2022.
American Legion baseball longtime organizers Dick Iverson says without the LITE Foundation’s support for operational expenses including bats, they would not be able to keep it going.
Badger Boys State by the American Legion. Last year the group funded Saskatoon Damm to attend the program. The donation will help a junior from Medford area attend the program.
Medford Area Youth Soccer served 320 area youth in 2022 and the funds are used for coaching programs.
Dorchester American Legion with the money to help the group continue with participation in the 150th anniversary of Dorchester in 2023.
Our Savior Lutheran Church and the Community Mission with Jesus to provide direct help to area residents in need who might not qualify for other programs.
Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center with the money used to help area youth attend camp programs even if they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to attend.
Christmas Angel Project of Neillsville. The money is used to purchase large jars of peanut butter to be included in gift baskets to area families in need.
Taylor County Supportive Housing for the continued operation of the Taylor House homeless shelter. The funds help provide food and toiletries items in the facility.
Medford Area Performing Arts with the funds helping to cover bringing entertainers to perform in Medford.
Beds from Christ program at the United Methodist Church with the funds to help the group in their efforts to meet bedding needs for area residents in need. The group gives about 30 beds a year.
Taylor County Moving for a Cure with the funds to go to help provide support to area residents who are battling cancer.
Junior Achievement at Medford Area Public Schools with the money going to purchase programing material and supplies for the classrooms.
Taylor County Drug Opposition Partners with the money going to alcohol and other drug programs to help people recover from addiction.
Abiding Care Pregnancy Resource Center with the money to help the organization continue to meet the needs of those that come to them and provide education and support to expectant parents.
St Paul’s Mobile Food Pantry with the funds to help address food insecurity issues in the county. One in 11 people in Taylor County are food insecure.
Diapers for Angels which provides diapers to families who cannot afford them.Organization founder Caitlyn Huls explained that it is named in honor of the four unborn children she has lost to miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
Never Forgotten Honor Flight to help cover the cost of area veterans to attend the honor flight trip to Washington, D.C.
Frances L. Simek Memorial Library with the funds going to help update the children’s nonfiction collection.
Taylor County Literacy Council which promotes literacy among children and adults in the area. The funds will be used to purchase books for the family literacy game nights.
The Little Store which provides an outlet for area seniors and handicapped individuals to sell craft products year round. The funds will help with overhead operational expenses.
