At left, Jim Gifford accepts the gift from Ron Cartee.

The JSF has received a $10,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum’s Community Investment Program which is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to invest in organizations and initiatives that make a positive, meaningful impact on communities where the company operates. The grant will be used to reprint softback editions of three books by Jesse Stuart: Bluetick Pig, Old Ben, and A Jesse Stuart Reader. JSF Board member Ron Cartee and his wife, Diane, have made a $10,000 gift to match the Marathon grant.

Having these books available for young readers helps the Foundation further its mission to preserve Stuart’s literary legacy by keeping his books in print and by promoting literacy and preserving and disseminating the values of the Appalachian way of life. The JSF is grateful for this very generous support.