Former Publix Worker Leaves $129,182 Endowment Gift to United Way

Former Publix Worker Leaves $129,182 Endowment Gift to United Way

June 21, 2011

Highland City, FL – A former Publix Super Markets employee left more than $100,000 of her family trust fund to the United Way of Central Florida. Mildred Jenkins served as a Publix cashier in Lakeland for 28 years before retiring in 1982. Mrs. Jenkins divided the benefits from her trust fund among her family and several area charities, including the United Way of Central Florida which received $129,182.53.

The gift will serve as a permanent endowment, which allows future investment earnings to be used at the organization’s discretion. Mrs. Jenkins passed away in Lakeland on May 1, 2011. She was not related to Publix Super Markets founder George Jenkins but they shared a passion for giving back to the community, according to her son Michael Lucas. She frequently participated in the company’s United Way employee donation campaigns and was involved with several local charitable organizations.

“She was a single mother with four children when she moved to Lakeland from West Virginia and started working for Publix,” said Lucas. “Her top salary was $8.25 an hour and yet she was able to amass a large sum to help her church and other charities. It is a tribute to her and to Publix as well.”

“We are extremely honored and grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for her generosity,” said Terry Worthington, President of the United Way of Central Florida. “The fact that she worked as a cashier at Publix for 28 years makes her story all the more compelling.”

For more information, contact Daniel Jimenez, Communications Director, United Way of Central Florida, at 863.648.1500 x 257.

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About United Way of Central Florida:

United Way of Central Florida, with administrative offices in Highland City, has been serving our local community for 30 years by understanding local needs and driving lasting change to build better lives and stronger communities.