PITTSBURGH (12/21/2007) - 4 Kids has recently received contributions of more than $150,000 from local, regional, and statewide businesses through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. The funds were contributed through Heritage Health Foundation, Inc. (HHFI).

EITC is a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) initiative that allows for-profit businesses to receive a 75-90% credit on their state corporate taxes by supporting education-oriented nonprofit organizations.

Companies contributing to the 4 Kids FY 2008 EITC program to date include:
* Centers for Rehab Services
* Dollar Bank
* Equitable Resources, Inc.
* Huntington National Bank
* Mine Safety Appliances Company
* UPMC Health Network
* Levin Furniture
* Enterprise Rent-A-Car
* United States Steel Corporation
* Oregon Metallurgical Corporation (a subsidiary of Allegheny Technologies)

The donated funds support programs of 4 Kids offerings in year-round full-day early education for children 6 weeks through 5 years, and before/afterschool and summer programming for children through Grade 3. The contributions support three EITC areas in which HHFI has received State approval:
* Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization (providing 4 Kids scholarships to preschoolers of income-eligible families)
* Educational Improvement Organization (supporting academically-based after-school and summer programs for children in grades K-3)
* Scholarship Organization (tuition support for K-12 children enrolled in Good Shepherd Catholic School in Braddock or Word of God School in Swissvale).

After receiving tax credit eligibility approval from DCED, contributors can choose which program they wish to support.

"It's gratifying that so many of Pennsylvania's leading businesses recognize the benefits of early education and the future economic opportunities that education creates for the children in our area," said Bob Grom, HHFI's President and CEO. "We are also pleased that DCED has recognized HHFI's work and selected our education programs for their investment and support."

Heritage Health Foundation is a community-based organization dedicated to meeting the health, human services, and economic needs of the people and communities of the Monongahela and Turtle Creek Valleys.