Press

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The foundation has been recognized by many different publications throughout the years. Take a few minutes to find out more!



Middle River students benefit from Back-to-School Drive

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From the August 17, 2014 Avenue News article:

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With the new school year fast approaching, purchasing new school supplies can be a financial burden for some parents.

 

For the 11th year, the Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation is in the midst of its annual Back to School Drive, where donations of school supplies are being collected by 30 businesses across Baltimore County. And for the seventh year in a row, donations were dropped off at the Middle River Boys and Girls Club on Friday, Aug. 15, where about 75 local students were invited to pick out a brand new backpack and various school supplies.

 

The Boys and Girls Club is one of 12 organizations benefiting from the school supply drive along with four schools.

 

http://www.avenuenews.com/news/local/article

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The Preston Mitchum, Jr. and CSX Foundations

Join Forces to Build a Brighter Future

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A $10,000 grant awarded by the CSX Foundation's Corporate Giving program will allow the PMJ Foundation to continue its work and further expand in Baltimore City Schools this school year. The CSX Corporate Giving program supports local nonprofit organizations through cash and noncash donations, and through people. Each year, CSX provides more than $8 million in financial assistance to local and national agencies and organizations that are equally committed to making a difference.

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"This is an unprecedented opportunity for children in Baltimore City and County. The goal is to take career awareness to a more intense and in-depth level," according to founder Preston Mitchum, Jr. Children will gain practical knowledge and exposure to better understand what is necessary to pursue professional careers. The program includes a series of workshops, panel discussions, interactive learning sessions, presentations and concludes with a graduation ceremony.

 

The Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation receives

Weinberg Foundation Employee Giving Grant

 

From the July 22, 2012 Baltimore Sun article:

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Demchak, who is making his first award this year, chose the Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation, which was established about 10 years ago by a former colleague in the media. Its mission is to improve the lives of area youth, with after-school programs, career-awareness training and community-based services. 

"In the news business, you see a lot of great things and a lot of terrible things," said Demchak, a former television news producer. "And you see children who are victims of those terrible things. Preston did something to help the most vulnerable families. We can all take a lesson from him. He asked himself what he could do and answered that he would do whatever he can."

 

TCPS Students win 1st & 2nd Prize in Statewide Essay Contest

 

From the TCPS newsletter recognizing the winners of the Preston Mitchum, Jr Foundation Annual Essay Contest:  

 

The Board recognized Colin Elliott and Matthew Keeler for winning the PMJ Foundation's Annual Essay Contest. The contest was open to 5th and 6th grade students across the State of Maryland. The foundation received hundreds of essays and awarded first prize, an Acer Netbook, to Colin Elliott and second prize, a digital camera, to Matthew Keeler. Colleen Szymanski, Chapel District Elementary 5th grade teacher, encouraged the boys to enter the contest. Mrs. Szymanski stated, "It is fantastic to see our students recognized for their hard work!"

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School Supplies Drives Aid Local Students

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From the August 15, 2011 article:

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Students in eastern Baltimore County who might have missed out on the opportunity to receive new school supplies and clothes will now start their 2011-2012 school year on the right track thanks to several local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

That's because Patapsco Bank, the Preston Mitchum Jr. Foundation and the Essex-Middle River-Chase Lions Club, in partnership with CCBC-Essex, have all organized drives to support local families unable to afford the supplies on their children's lists.

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PMJ Foundation featured in the Examiner

 

From the Jan 13, 2010 article:

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The Preston Mitchum, Jr. (PMJ) Foundation is scheduled to expand its Career Awareness After-School Program to two new Baltimore schools today. If you aren't familiar with the PMJ Foundation, it is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the crippling effects of poverty and violence on at-risk youth in society. Founded in 2002, the PMJ Foundation seeks to educate, empower and provide a vision of a brighter future for youth through the implementation of year-round out-of school (OST) activities and community-based services, including after-school programs and back to school campaigns.

 

Please click to view the full article!

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The Safeway Foundation awards $1,000 grant to the PMJ Foundation

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The Preston Mitchum, Jr. Foundation was the recipient of $1,000 grant on December 8, 2009, to support our Career

Awareness Project after-school program.

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"The employees of Safeway are proud to be able to support local organizations like this that touch the lives of our customers," said Gregory Ten Eyck, chairman of Safeway Foundation for the Eastern Division.

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The PMJ Foundation thanks sponsors like Safeway for supporting our efforts to help Baltimore's youth.

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Perry Hall Halloween Parade

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The Foundation recently had the honor of participating in the Perry Hall Halloween Parade on Sunday October 19, 2008. Preston Mitchum Jr. was one of the nominees for Citizen of the Year. "It was an honor and a treat to see the representation of all which is good and wonderful in Perry Hall." Mitchum said. The Perry Hall Improvement Association recognizes Perry Hall residents that make a difference in the community they live and serve in. The Foundation is dedicated to serving the Perry Hall community and families throughout the state of Maryland.

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Foundation Receives Baltimore County’s Highest Volunteer Honor

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The PMJ Foundation received the Maryland You Are Beautiful Award on Wednesday October 31, 2007 during the Good Neighbor Week 2007 Award Ceremony. This is the highest volunteer honor in Baltimore County.

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“Personally, I am extremely appreciative that our volunteers received such an award. This is truly amazing. The PMJ Foundation is comprised of volunteers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Maryland young people and their families. The partnerships we build will continue to help us help others. We thank County Executive Jim Smith and all of our neighbors for their continued efforts to improve the lives of others,” said Preston Mitchum Jr., founder of the PMJ Foundation.

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“For the past five years, this Foundation has been an important presence in the community, contributing to countless citizens of all ages and backgrounds,” said Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr., as he presented the proclamation. “The Preston Mitchum Foundation has helped over 7,100 individuals through its giveback campaigns, facilitating the collection of over 60,000 school supplies for Baltimore County students, and ran After School Career Awareness Programs that have reached over 200 children. The dedication of all the members of this Foundation to their fellow citizens is a model for all the people of Maryland.”

 

The PMJ Foundation wins 
"Fox 45/Dunkin' Donuts Hometown Heroes Award"

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The PMJ Foundation are winners in Fox 45/Dunkin' Donuts...Serving Those Who Serve "Hometown Heroes" contest. Fox 45 and Dunkin' Donuts salutes and serves your Foundation for your commitment to Baltimore, our community, our families, our children, and our neighborhoods. The Foundation's salute aired on FOX 45 Morning News on Friday, 1/11/08. 

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PMJ Foundation Receives National Recognition
 

In 2006, the foundation's mission garnered national attention, earning a cover story in the October issue of News Photographer Magazine, a publication of the National Press Photographers Association. This magazine, known for its national recognition of photographers across the country, has taken a look at the foundation and its efforts to make a major impact in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. Take a look at the article below: 

News Photographer Magazine Article

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Foundation Honored - August 1, 2006

 

The Preston Mitchum, Jr., Foundation has been honored with The William R. Burleigh Award for Distinguished Community Service by The Scripps Howard Foundation. We share the good news with you hoping you will spread the word about our charitable efforts in the community. Your dedication to community service is truly appreciated. As citizens, it is our duty to use our talents to give back. Be proud of yourselves for answering the call of duty to make a difference. 

Scripps Howard Foundation Article

 

Back To School Drive collects over 25,000 supplies

 

With your help, we collected and distributed a record 25,000 plus school supplies (book bags, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, pens, pencils and other school related items). More than 1,500 students ranging from ages 5 to 17 received fundamental tools required to give them an even start in the race for success. Read more about the foundation's efforts to help the Maryland youth.

Back to School Articles