Guided by his belief that all people owe something to the society in which they live, Alonzo G. Decker, Jr. gave generously to a variety of organizations by donating his time, money and business expertise. For his extraordinary philanthropic achievement, Mr. Decker was recognized with five honorary degrees and a host of community service awards.

In the spirit of Mr. Decker's service, Black & Decker has, since 1991, presented the Alonzo G. Decker, Jr. Annual Community Service Award to employees who have contributed exceptional levels of commitment and creativity to worthy causes and who have worked to enhance the quality of life within their communities.

Habitat for Humanity projects provide an ideal opportunity for our employees to share their skills and time with individuals working toward the goal of homeownership. Since 1997, Black & Decker employees have volunteered thousands of hours rehabilitating and building Habitat for Humanity homes in communities where we have a major presence, including Baltimore, Maryland; Orange County, California; and Grayson County, Texas. The company supports those efforts with significant contributions of money, tools and supplies.

An excellent example of an educational organization that incorporates vocational and skills training programs, the Living Classrooms Foundation serves hundreds of schools and funds a number of programs throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Its Fresh Start and Project SERVE programs are two that Black & Decker supports financially and through donations of tools and volunteer hours. These programs benefit the lives of thousands of young people throughout the region. For example, Fresh Start's job skills training serves out-of-school youth age 16 to 19, using carpentry as a medium to teach math, science, reading, writing and history. The curriculum is designed to increase self-reliance, teach problem solving, and demonstrate how academic skills and knowledge are used in a practical work environment.

Our employees generously volunteer their time, expertise and money to support a number of worthwhile non-profit organizations. Here are just a few examples:

American Cancer Society - Power Tools and Accessories Group, Jackson, Tennessee
The Black & Decker Relay for Life (RFL) Team received the 2009 Madison County Silver Sponsor Award for supporting the American Cancer Society. The team raised over $6,000 for the RFL fund via on-site activities at the North Jackson campus, including pizza lunches, raffles, Wear Jeans to Work days, and sales of baked goods, honey, candy, and even t-shirts that read "Peace, Love, and Power Tools - Nail Down a Cure."

AmeriCorps - Power Tools and Accessories Group, Towson, Maryland
In a joint partnership with Lowe's Home Centers, Black & Decker University provided half-day Power Training and Safety Training courses to 140 volunteers from the AmeriCorps Regional Training Center in Perry Point, Maryland. Armed with solid training, the volunteers were then assigned to service projects such as Chesapeake Bay Restoration, Habitat for Humanity and Disaster Relief.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland - Power Tools and Accessories Group and Corporate Office,Towson, Maryland
Black & Decker, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland, and Villa Cresta Elementary have a strong and successful partnership that has spanned more than 12 years. Participating in the "Bigs in School" program, Towson-based employees join their "Littles" over lunch each week, serving as positive role models and friends to children who benefit from extra support and guidance.

Children's Hospital of Orange County - Hardware and Home Improvement Group, Lake Forest, California
Since 2002, Black & Decker employees at the Lake Forest headquarters for the Hardware and Home Improvement Group (BDHHI) have generously contributed their time and money to support the Children's Hospital of Orange County. The President of BDHHI serves on the Hospital Board, and employees participate in a variety of fundraising activities throughout the year, including the "Change for CHOC" spare change collection, CHOC Bingo, raffles and the ever-popular 5K Walk for CHOC at Disneyland.

Special Olympics - Hardware and Home Improvement Group, Charlotte, North Carolina
Black & Decker employees from the Pack to Order facility in North Carolina volunteered at the 2009 Special Olympic Games at Cherry Park in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Employees supported athletes in track and field, soccer and softball events, encouraging and assisting participants of all ages. Much to the athletes' delight, employees announced winners and presented medals with true Olympic fanfare. Gold or otherwise, medals were awarded to all Special Olympians for their remarkable accomplishments.

Junior Achievement - Power Tools & Accessories Group, Towson, MD
Junior Achievement promotes student understanding of the free enterprise system and creates a bridge between the classroom and workplace. The organization inspires kids from Kindergarten on up to stay in school and appreciate life-long learning while introducing them to career opportunities.

Each year, Black & Decker sends 15 to 20 volunteers for a day to a local elementary school, engaging kids from K-6 with hands-on activities that explore:

• The roles individuals play as workers, consumers and family members
• Economic responsibilities and opportunities in their communities
• Business operations, city planning and development issues
• Business in the U.S. economy, including management, marketing, production and sales
• World economic resources, global currencies and trade

Our local communities matter - to our business health, our families and our wellbeing as individuals. Black & Decker is honored to employ such a dedicated and giving workforce - people who commit their time, skills and own financial resources to make a difference in the communities we all depend upon. Whether it's through funding, promoting volunteerism, donations of tools or individual gift matching, Black & Decker is proud to support the people and organizations that serve and benefit our communities every day.