Photo courtesy of Neal Communities

Southwest Florida’s private homebuilder,  Neal Communities, recently contributed $2,500 to the Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Jack and Jill of America is an African American membership that formed during the Great Depression by African American mothers with the idea of bringing together children in a social and cultural environment. Today, the organization remains dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children, ages 2-19 years-old, through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

Neal Communities Area Sales Manager, Elayne McKinney, serves as the current local chapter president. “I grew up as a member of Jack and Jill of America in New Jersey,” says McKinney. “When my family moved to Florida, we didn’t have a local chapter, so my mother pioneered the start-up of the Suncoast Chapter almost 30 years ago.” McKinney’s eight-year-old daughter is now involved in Jack and Jill of America as well—donating her time to after-school programs that provide weekend snacks for kids in poverty.

“When we look at our charitable giving opportunities, we start by considering the organizations that have had a significant impact on our team members,” says Pat Neal, Founder and Chairman of Neal Communities. “We’re proud to support organizations like Jack and Jill that have provided invaluable leadership and community-minded skills to their participants.”

For more information or to make a donation to Jack and Jill of America, please visit jackandjillsuncoast.org/

Photo courtesy of Neal Communities