LINCOLN - Donations totaling more than $60,000 have been handed out to three Logan County groups from Eaton's corporate grant program.

The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois received $30,000 for the second consecutive year. Additionally, $25,000 was donated to Lincoln College for construction of the $8.4 million Lincoln Center, and $5,500 was given to Junior Achievement of Central Illinois to support new classrooms in Logan County.

"One of our goals is to give back to the community and look for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents," said Patti Becker, human resources manager at Eaton Corp. in Lincoln.

A committee of Eaton employees assisted in making the selections.

Eaton Corp. manufactures power distribution devices and employs about 650 employees at the Lincoln site.

The Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois is a private, nonprofit organization that administers federal, state and local programs for low-income and senior citizens in Logan, DeWitt, Mason, Menard, Fulton and Piatt counties.

"We feel the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois does so much to help our local citizens, particularly our seniors and feel that is money well spent," Becker said. "With today's economy, everyone could use a little help."

Executive Director Angela Stoltzenburg said the grant money will be used to improve senior services.

"We are so grateful to have Eaton Corporation in our community," she said. "Their support makes a tremendous difference to our efforts to operate our services for seniors. It's through help like this that Community Action makes a difference in the lives of seniors and their families, and we are very appreciative of Eaton's support."

Construction on the Lincoln Center is expected to be completed in late 2009 and will include a gym, fitness center and the Lincoln Heritage Museum at Lincoln College.

"We appreciate the generosity of donors such as the Eaton Corporation because this center is absolutely critical to the future success and viability of Lincoln College," President John Hutchinson said.

Another $25,000 already has been pledged for next year to the Lincoln Center building fund.

"We feel very strongly about the Junior Achievement program as well because it is helping students improve their study skills and become better students," Becker said. "We have worked with that program over the years and have seen significant results."