Magic Metals Works Magic for Kids

When Garry and Vera Griggs' son, Kevin, suggested that the family business make a contribution to Memorial's children's programs, the owners of Magic Metals, Inc. thought it might be good idea. Once they toured Children's Village, they were completely committed. "The folks at Children's Village really know how to stretch money to get the most from it," Garry says. "We were very impressed with the quality of services they were providing and the number of kids they were helping."

Magic Metals, a precision sheet metal and machining job shop, is located in Union Gap, tucked between warehouses on a two-lane road. But the business it generates is far from quiet. Providing custom products for Seattle, Portland and other surrounding areas, Magic Metals processes more than twelve million pounds of steel annually. Though 90 percent of their business is shipped elsewhere, Garry is quick to point out that it's his employees-all residents of the Yakima Valley-that make the business successful.

"Both Vera and I were born and raised here," he says. "We grew our own family here. We have a tremendous bond with the Yakima Valley, and we feel strongly about helping the community's youth." Gifts from the Griggs family have been directed to Children's Village and YouthWorks, a program providing job shadowing and internship opportunities for high school students.

"I think the experiences provided by YouthWorks are so important," Vera says. "Giving teens the chance to work with and befriend young children with disabilities leaves a lasting impression and can really open eyes to what the world is all about. The older kids realize they can make an important difference, and I imagine that some of them go into medicine and related fields because of the experience." The generosity of the Griggs family and Magic Metals is now part of the legacy of The Memorial Foundation. The Griggs family recognizes the importance of community and is eager to continue being involved. As Garry puts it, "We're just giving back a little to the valley that has given us so much."