Comcast makes $40,000 donation to Division of Indian Work to enhance Lift Zone location, expand programming
The Comcast Midwest Region presented a $40,000 donation and 40 laptops to youth and families on Thursday, Jan. 9, at a celebration held at the Division of Indian Work (DIW) in Minneapolis. The financial grant will support enhancements to the local nonprofit’s Lift Zone, including expanding their programming.
“We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their generosity in support of our mission,” said Louise Matson, executive director of DIW and member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. “The funds and computers will directly impact our organization’s ability to provide critical youth education and leadership development programming, while providing basic needs and strengthening the families and communities we serve.”
Comcast established its Lift Zone at DIW in 2020, one of the more than 25 community-based organizations in the Twin Cities equipped with ongoing free WiFi connectivity that year. It is currently one of the only Lift Zones in the country supporting Native populations.
“We’re proud to continue our support of DIW as their work aligns with our commitment to bridging the digital divide,” Stacey Nelson-Kumar, Director of Community Impact for Comcast’s Midwest Region.
DIW has been a key contributor to the Native community throughout the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota for more than 70 years, through programs such as Youth Leadership Development, Strengthening Family Circles, Healing Spirit, and Health Services.
For more on the Comcast Lift Zone program as well as locations in the Midwest Region, visit here.
Spreading cheer across the Midwest
The donation of $40,000 and laptops was one of several ways that Comcast Midwest made its presence felt across the Twin Cities and Greater Kansas City throughout the recent holiday season.
Midwest employees supported Gifts for Seniors in Minneapolis by preparing over 200 gift bags complete with handwritten notes for local seniors, while members of its VetNet Employee Resource Group participated in Wreaths Across America ceremonies in Minneapolis and Higginsville, Mo.
Other local events sponsored by Comcast in the region included:
- Local veteran recognition during 12 White Christmas Musical shows at Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Chanhassen, Min., throughout Nov. and Dec.
- Stuff the Sleigh toy drive and laptop donation with The Salvation Army and KSTP across Twin Cities from Nov. 25-Dec. 15.
- Santa Visit and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Paola, Kan., on Nov. 29.
- KS95 for Kids Radiothon in Bloomington, Minn., on Dec. 6.
- Mayor’s Christmas Concert with The Community Services League in Independence, Mo., on Dec. 8.