(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Kimberly Noetzel, LDI Corporate Communications.)
In a multi-year effort to help Level the Playing Field for Kids in Education, New Hope-based Liberty Diversified International (LDI) gave more than $100,000 to schools within their 23-location footprint, including a $5,000 donation from Liberty Paper to the Becker School District.
The Becker School District has received $10,000 within two years from Liberty Paper (a company of LDI) and new this year; Liberty Paper will also give the district fifty $25 Gratitude checks for teachers to use as they deem appropriate. LDI believes that each of us can make a difference in the lives of children and understands local schools and teachers know the needs of their classrooms and students.
“We are grateful for Liberty Paper and all of our community partners for their fantastic support of our schools and students,” said Jeremy Schmidt, Superintendent of Becker Public School District. “We will use this donation to continue to improve and provide opportunities for our students who need it most. Some of the uses will be field trip tuition support, activity scholarships, and increased learning opportunities.”
As a family-owned company, LDI helps by providing funding and volunteer opportunities for all U.S.-based employees to engage with school and community partners throughout the year.
To help kids find success in learning, they provide access to tools and resources, healthy food & caring adults and the Gratitude program is an example of their efforts.
“Our employees come together each year to pack backpacks, healthy snack kits, collect food and build relationships with schools to learn about needs and how they can help,” said Greg Theis, President and CEO of LDI.
The Leveling the Playing Field for Kids in Education initiative started in 2021 and LDI has given nearly $200,000 to local schools. LDI is a privately held family of businesses with more than 2,000 employees operating in multiple industries. The company is more than 100 years old, with its foundation in paper and packaging.
