KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC ... Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced today it has donated $10,740 to benefit North Shelby School, a special purpose public school for students with developmental disabilities in Shelby, North Carolina. North Shelby serves 150 students ages 3 - 21 who have significant physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The school's education program is designed to provide academic instruction supported by training in independent living, vocational training and related therapies. The school has won several awards for its work with children with special needs and serves as a model training site for the areas of transition services and literacy for students with significant disabilities. The funds will be used to purchase books and other literacy materials, for a viewing area for the therapeutic riding program, and for sponsorship of the Earthshine pioneering camping trip. The Hearts and Hooves therapeutic riding program provides equestrian therapy to over 60 children and young adults with disabilities for the purpose of enhancing and developing motor, communication and social skills. The Earthshine pioneer camping experience in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina is offered every other year to elementary students with disabilities at North Shelby. The four-day trip provides students with a simulated pioneer experience in order to build self-confidence, increase self-esteem and develop self-reliance. "We are so grateful to Eaton for this generous donation," said Dr. Nellie Aspel, principal of North Shelby School. "This money will go a long way to help some very special kids in our community." Eaton employees have supported the North Shelby School for more than 10 years through events such as Special Olympics, the annual Senior Beach Trip, HOPE, Inc., graduation activities/events, and various fund-raising projects. "Ensuring that North Shelby continues to provide specialized education to those in need is very important," said Mark Early, Kings Mountain human resources manager. "It feels good to work for a company with such a strong tradition of giving back to the community." Eaton's facility in Kings Mountain is part of the company's Truck business and employs approximately 650 people who manufacture and assemble transmissions for the heavy-duty truck market. Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 60,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. | 
