CWU Toy Drive Gets Boost From Lydig Construction

December 10, 2004

Contact: Maren Oates (509-93-2819/fax 509-963-3301/e-mail: oatesm@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Thanks to the generous donation of several "elves" from Lydig Construction, some Kittitas County children will have an even merrier Christmas this year.

Each year, Central Washington University's Civic Engagement Center sponsors an annual toy drive. Center students put on the holiday wishes program to supply gifts and stocking stuffers for "children who deserve more throughout the holidays," says Lorinda Anderson, center director. Those requests, which amount to hundreds each year, come from area schools and social services agencies.

Lydig, which is currently involved with the construction of the new CWU student union building and recreation center, unexpectedly made the $1000 donation during a progress meeting this week. Generally, the company places a bin on site for employees to fill with toys, but this year employees made the decision to collect monetary donations.

While presenting the check, Lydig Superintendent Larry Arndt admitted that he had provided his crews with some additional motivation by agreeing to personally match, dollar-for-dollar, the money they raised.

"Lydig Construction puts great emphasis on activities - outside of normal business operations - that serve the needs of our community," Arndt says.

The student toy drive initiative is designed to complement other CWU faculty and staff efforts and is a way for students to show their support for the community. "Lydig's gift allowed our student volunteers to purchase gifts to fill unmet requests," Anderson adds.

Locally, Lydig has been responsible for construction of the new Ellensburg High School, CWU's Black Hall, science building, and the music education building.