Tricia Quinn (right) of Plum Creek Timber Company presents a $5,000 check to Cheryl Heikkinen, director of the Stratton- Eustis Recreational Program. The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded the grant to the Stratton-Eustis Recreational Program to help fund expansions to the program. (Submitted photo) BINGHAM — The Stratton-Eustis Summer Recreation Program was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation to help fund expansion of the program.

The current program offers free recreational activities for six weeks during the summer months for children ages four to 13. The Plum Creek Foundation grant will help expand the program to eight weeks. The program will be enhanced by including more recreational and educational activities, as well as adding writing and reading enrichment programs.

"This donation will help us provide a fun and educational program for area youth to participate in during the summer months as an alternative to expensive camps," said Cheryl Heikkinen, director of the recreational program. "We truly appreciate the generous support the Plum Creek Foundation has given our program, and we look forward to developing new activities and lessons for the children to take part in this summer."

The Stratton-Eustis Summer Recreation Program is the only one of its kind in Stratton and Eustis, providing enjoyment for children through enrichment, art, education and recreational programs.

The mission of the Plum Creek Foundation is to provide philanthropic contributions to support and improve the general welfare of life in the communities that Plum Creek serves. The foundation board meets quarterly to review applications submitted from organizations in the company's operating communities. Visit the Community Involvement page on Plum Creek's Web site at www.plumcreek.com to download an application.