WELCOME — Local children’s charities on Thursday received $35,000 from employees of the Valero Renewables-Welcome ethanol plant.

Employees helped raise funds through the Valero Energy Foundation and the company’s sponsorship of the 2018 Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children in San Antonio.

“This is just one of several Valero locations that will proudly distribute funds to children’s charities throughout the United States this year,” said Nicole Gries, plant manager of Valero Renewables-Welcome. “These gifts enable our community agencies to continue their good work for the many children they serve. We appreciate all that these agencies do to improve children’s lives.”

The 2018 local recipients are:

o Fairmont Area Kinship, $7,200.

o Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, $5,000.

o Twin Valley Council Inc., $3,750.

o South Central Minnesota Youth for Christ – Martin County, $9,000.

o Adventure Playground, $10,050.