Marathon announces $70k gift for nonprofits for El Paso Giving Day

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Marathon Petroleum said it will gift $70,000 to eight nonprofits in El Paso. The announcement came Thursday, which is the first day of El Paso Giving Day Early Giving.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation gives donors a full week to make a difference in the community before the main event on Oct. 15.

Early Giving started Thursday at midnight and will run through Oct. 14 at 11:59 p.m.

"We all agree that one of the key pillars is environmental conservation and sustainability," said Marathon spokesperson VJ Smith. "We're celebrating 8 organizations that do a really good job of that here in El Paso."

Smith said the gift goes beyond funding. He said employees from Marathon will "roll up [their] sleeves and get involved in the community work."

One of the eight nonprofits receiving part of the $70,000 is Recker's Outreach. Samantha Recker said she created the program to help children in need because she was a "troubled child."

The organization received a $10,000 check at a presentation Thursday.

"What they're dealing with right now doesn't define them," a Recker's spokesperson told ABC-7. "Children make mistakes. It is our job as leaders to show them that they can learn from that mistake and become something greater."

Recker said her program plans to use the money to waive service fees for families.

Other businesses have announced they're giving money for Giving Day, including Meta. PDNCF said El Pasoans can also donate to nonprofits in the city.

"Gifts of as little as $10 help local nonprofits provide essential services throughout the Paso del
Norte region. Every dollar raised stays in our region, and participating nonprofits receive 100% of
the funds they raise," PDNCF said in a news release.

More information about El Paso Giving Day is accessible here.