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FOR RELEASE: FEBRUARY 14, 2001

NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina, February 14, 2001 - Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children has received a generous gift involving renovations/modifications to their current facilities at 3923 Azalea Drive, North Charleston. In December 2000, HITT Contracting, a Virginia-based general contractor with an office in North Charleston, approached Jenkins Institute knowing the facility lacked the necessary funds to make much-needed upgrades.

Due to the holiday season approaching and several projects wrapping up, HITT Contracting had left over materials and field personnel available to perform work pro bono. Upon a walk-through of the campus, HITT Contracting noted additional areas that would also benefit with attention, including overhead lighting, restroom facilities, and common area floors. Senior Superintendent Al Russell of HITT Contracting solicited the needed aid and materials from area subcontractors, including Gatch Electric, C.R. Hipp, King Construction, KCI Flooring, Cook & Boardman, Dustbusters II, Painting Plus, and Phoenix Steel Erectors.

The work is on schedule for completion by mid-February 2001. On behalf of the wards of Jenkins Institute who range in age from nine to 21, the Board of Directors and staff of Jenkins Institute hosted a “Gift of Love” dedication ceremony to recognize the generous efforts of these businesses. Speakers included Board Chairman Alma Latten, First Vice President Judge McFarland, and Executive Director Maurice Johnson, all of Jenkins Institute.

Upon completion, the campus will feature new toilets, new watercoolers, new overhead lighting, security-reinforced doors and exterior lighting, new carpet, VCT flooring and base, and paint. The combined value of this pro bono work, including labor and materials, is estimated between $50,000 and $60,000.

Executive Director Maurice Johnson said, “These companies have taken the time to fill the hearts of the children who need it most on Valentine’s Day.”

About The Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children, Inc.
The Daniel Joseph Jenkins Institute for Children, Inc., previously known as Jenkins Orphanage, was founded on December 16, 1891 by Reverend Daniel Joseph Jenkins. The Orphanage was chartered in July of 1892 by the State of South Carolina with the mission of providing a safe, loving home environment for orphans and destitute boys and girls in need. Today, the former residents of the Jenkins Orphanage are living proof that the programs still work; many have become doctors, lawyers, ministers, musicians, and teachers. Their 110-year heritage is one of successful child rearing in good economic times and bad.

About HITT Contracting Inc.
HITT Contracting was founded in 1937 and has grown to be ranked today among the 100 Largest General Contractors in the United States, with offices in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Charleston, and Baltimore. HITT Contracting provides award-winning turnkey construction services from changing a doorknob to complete delivery of headquarter facilities/campuses. The company has more than 600 employees, including a 325-member, skilled in-house field force available to fulfill the requirements of their expanding base of repeat and new clients. Their $407 volume in 2001 comprises today’s leading market sectors, including corporate base building and interiors, law firms, technology, biotech, institutional, government, aviation, and healthcare.