PICKENS COUNTY — The Jaycee Camp Hope has received a $5,000 AT&T CARES contribution that will help the organization support their summer camp programs.

The camp is operated by Clemson University as part of the Outdoor Lab and serves approximately 360 children and adults with cognitive and special needs. Any mentally challenged individual age 7 or older may apply to attend Jaycee Camp Hope.

The camp offers a setting on beautiful Lake Hartwell where campers enjoy fun, challenging and educational group activities that include swimming, canoeing, fishing, crafts, pontoon boat rides, nature activities, overnight campouts and more. Campers develop independence through daily camp activities as they learn to do things for themselves. Housing is provided along with meals and snacks. The trained staff provides 24- hour supervision for the safety of the campers. A health center is located on site that is managed by full-time medical personnel.

“I am very pleased that Jaycee Camp Hope is the recipient of the AT&T CARES Award,” said Jim Evers, AT&T Area Manager-Corporate and Legislative Affairs. “The Upstate Council of the AT&T Pioneers has supported this organization for several years not only monetarily, but by volunteering to help with registration for the summer camps. AT&T is proud to support deserving organizations that are important to our volunteers.”

The $5,000 contribution is part of a special initiative that awards local funding based on the nominations of the AT&T Pioneers. The AT&T CARES Special Contribution Program, established in 2007, gives AT&T volunteer groups with a strong record of volunteerism, the ability to identify non-profits making a local impact. The Jaycee Camp Hope was selected by the AT&T South Carolina Chapter 61 Pioneers, an organization comprised of employees and retirees who volunteer their time to various community causes throughout the state.

Leslie Conrad, Director of the Outdoor Lab said, “This contribution will serve many individuals and families by providing scholarships to our programs and so many people will benefit that might not otherwise be able to do so. As costs of everything continue to rise, we work hard to offer a quality experience without causing additional financial burdens to the families we serve. This gift will enable us to do just that. We are so grateful for the continued support of our friends with the AT&T Pioneers.”

About Pioneers: A hundred years means hundreds of Pioneers projects — everything from helping the disabled to fostering literacy. Founded in 1911 as the Telephone Pioneers of America, Pioneers has grown to be the largest industry-related volunteer organization in the world. We’re a dedicated, diverse network of more than 620,000 current and retired telecommunications employees across the U.Sc and Canada. Our Pioneers network has steadily grown through our grassroots efforts to spread our mission of service — country to country, city to city, neighbor to neighbor. For more information about Pioneers, go to www.pioneersvolunteer.org.