HTC - Partners in Education
Education is a high priority to our cooperative. We strive to educate our members and others about the functions of a cooperative and how to improve education as a whole through special programs developed at HTC.
It is with great pride that HTC serves Horry County Schools as a Partner in Education. Through the Partners in Education program with Horry County Schools, HTC can provide valuable and lasting contributions for students, teachers, businesses and the community.
For more information on HTC educational programs, contact Nicole Hyman at (843) 369-8498.
HTC@School Newsletter |
HTC sends out a bi-monthly newsletter called HTC@school to all teachers, principals and guidance counselors. The educational update from HTC informs and reminds educators of what HTC has to offer the classroom in forms of presentations, tours and as an educational resource. The newsletter is a communication tool that HTC developed in 1999 to help notify teachers as to what HTC has to offer the classroom. By reading the newsletter, teachers and principals have a special link to a qualified educational representative. The educational newsletter was also created to increase the amount of tours and classroom presentations as well as promote HTC's continued commitment to educational achievements and programs.
Back to School FREE School Supplies |
| Each fall, HTC hosts a Back to School Promotion and donates FREE school supplies to the children of any visitor who comes by the office. This promotion was created to help those less fortunate in the community get ready to go back to school. Bags containing school supplies such as rulers, pencils, pencil bags, erasers and more are available for students (no purchase necessary). |
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Directory & Cell Phone Recycling Program |
| HTC has taken a leadership role in the recycling effort, which has become increasingly important as landfill space fills up and as our environment becomes more threatened by pollution. In 1991, HTC began a recycling program for old telephone directories and has continued the campaign every year since. In 2008, 60 public and private schools in Horry and Georgetown counties participated and raised $10,342.90 to benefit their schools. Over 62,566 phone books were recycled, which means over 75 tons of directories were recycled instead of going into the landfill. Participating schools also recycled 254 old cell phones. HTC donated $957.90 (included in the total above) to the Academy for Technology and Academics. |
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More than $94,000 has been donated in the last ten years alone needed by participating schools to purchase new computer software and to upgrade equipment.
Winning for the second time is Conway Middle School by recycling 18,333 directories. Coming in 2nd Place for the first time is North Myrtle Beach Middle School by recycling 8,666 directories, and Aynor Elementary School came in 3rd place for the first time by recycling 2,733 directories. In addition to the monetary donation, these schools will enjoy kid's meals compliments of Wendy's.
Special thanks to our partners - Wendy's, Horry County Solid Waste Authority, and Burroughs and Chapin.
Community Service |
We also send employee volunteers into the local public and private schools to ensure that young children are exposed to the modern tools of telecommunications, and that children understand the importance of a good education. In addition, our volunteers teach young children how to use the 9-1-1 emergency response number. Over the last several years, HTC has been a sponsor of the Fire and Life Safety Expo held in Myrtle Beach. Thousands of students representing schools in Horry and Georgetown Counties attend this event and learn about Safety Tips for Kids that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Children's Book Week |
In November, HTC celebrates National Children's Book Week by providing volunteers in each classroom of a nearby school. These volunteers read several books and emphasize the importance of reading. The HTC Readers program kicks off during the week and employees commit to reading once a week for the rest of the school year. Also in celebration of the week, HTC, the Horry Independent, and the Loris Scene team up to host a book drive for First Book of Horry County. New books collected during the drive are given to disadvantaged children in the communities we serve.
In 2006, over 48 books were donated to First Book of Horry County. Margene Willis, chair for First Book of Horry County, accepted the donation on behalf of the board and distributed the books to a critical area at Loris Education and Conway Education centers childcare programs, Cedar Branch Children's Center, and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Conway.
McGruff Truck Program |
In October of 2003, just in time for family safety month, HTC got on board with the McGruff Truck program along with the other utility companies to help people when they have emergencies. Most young people have heard of the McGruff Dog who says, "Take a bite out of crime." The message of the McGruff Truck program so appropriate for a telephone company is, "We'll Call for Help." McGruff Truck stickers are located on all HTC vehicles and if someone has an emergency and motions to the driver, the HTC employee will call for help. HTC hosts McGruff assembly programs to educate and inform students of the procedures to follow if they have an emergency. |
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