KALISPELL, LIBBY KIDS HAVING “SAFE SUMMER” AND FUN; PLUM CREEK HELPS PROGRAM FOR KIDS WITH DISABILITIES

Kalispell, Mont.--July 19, 2009--Kids with developmental disabilities enjoy summer as much as any other kids—swimming, bike riding, and spending time outdoors. But they often need extra help understanding how to play safely, and how to set personal boundaries that will protect them against people who could be potential abusers.

The Child Development Center (CDC) in Kalispell, with help from the Plum Creek Foundation, is making sure 35 kids from Kalispell and Libby enjoy summer activities through a “Be Safe Summer Program” for children from six to 18 years old, held in both communities. The Plum Creek Foundation provided a $2500 grant for the program.

CDC staff and volunteer safety experts from the communities (lifeguards, fire fighters, police officers) are teaching kids safety lessons they will remember, while helping them have fun.

“As the population in the Flathead Valley has increased, so have the number of kids and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Karlyn Gibbs who is CDC’s childhood autism waiver program director. “Our program gives them the tools to ensure they will enjoy summer activities safely.”

The program, which began in July and runs through August 20, has so far taught kids about biking safely, fire safety, and water safety.

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.

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Child Development Center (CDC) provides services to families whose children are considered to be "at risk" for delays in development or have a diagnosed developmental disability. It is a private, non-profit organization serving children and families based on need and disability. CDC provides services in seven counties throughout Western Montana and contracts with the state's Developmental Disabilities Program for funding.

Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with approximately 7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest. In Montana, Plum Creek practices sustainable forestry on approximately 1 million acres throughout the western part of the state.  For more information on Plum Creek in Montana, visit www.plumcreek.com/montana.