The Cargill Cares Council in Albert Lea this week donated $10,000 to the community splash pad.

The council selects a large community project every year. In previous years, it has supported creation of the local dog park, as well as donated benches and trees to a local park, according to a press release.

This year, the decision was made to support the community splash pad. The Cargill team saw the potential a community splash pad could have in further developing and enhancing an area central to the community, where families can gather to shop and enjoy the splash pad. The company’s own employees are members of this community, and as a whole, Cargill is invested in helping the communities, in which its employees work, live, thrive and grow for years to come.

As one of the largest employers in the area, Cargill employs more than 250 people at its Albert Lea facility, producing processed meat products to Cargill customers across the U.S. and around the world.

The facility was established in 1968 and includes 150,000 square feet of production and distribution facilities. Cargill employees contribute their time and financial resources to the community, through efforts that have benefitted organizations such as the Channel One Regional Food Bank, Salvation Army, United Way and Albert Lea Area Schools.

In the past year, Cargill’s Albert Lea facility has contributed more than $190,000 in monetary and in-kind donations.