SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced two “Powering Communities Grants” to support local community organizations in the Laurinburg, N.C., area, including $20,000 to Hospice of Scotland County and $10,000 to American Cancer Society.

Building on Eaton’s tradition of corporate citizenship, the company’s “Powering Communities Grants” help improve the quality of life in communities where Eaton employees live and work.

"Eaton employees have been supporting Hospice of the Scotland County for the past 23 years by holding an annual golf tournament that has raised more than $2 million dollars," said Jeff Fiorini, general manager, Eaton's Golf Grip Division. "And, our employees have been volunteering at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event since its inception 14 years ago, raising $145,000 over the years. These organizations are very meaningful to us and we want to give something back to them."

Hospice of Scotland County was founded by a group of local citizens who recognized the needs of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. From this small group of volunteers, the agency has grown to more than 300 strong. Eaton's donation of $20,000 will be used to subsidize the cost of charity care at home and at the facility and to provide medications, food and electric bills for those needing assistance.

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., the American Cancer Society has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices. Eaton's donation of $10,000 will be used to support its education and awareness programs including the Relay For Life overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for American Cancer Society research. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Eaton’s Golf Grip Division is the world’s largest manufacturer of golf grips, with manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities on five continents. The division’s Golf Pride brand is recognized globally as the number one choice in grips among tour and recreational players, competitive amateur golfers, club manufacturers and club repairmen.  For more information, visit www.golf pride.com.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries.