Media & Press Inquiries

Montana Rail Link and Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation partner in distribution of over 3,000 new sweatshirts to Montana schoolchildren

The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with Montana Rail Link (MRL) is pleased to announce they will be distributing over 3,000 new sweatshirts to seven Montana schools located along their rail route. This year’s schools are located in Laurel and Big Timber. The sweatshirts are in the school’s colors and include the school’s mascot. MRL employees will be distributing the sweatshirts on behalf of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and MRL during school assemblies in December.

Jim Lewis, Chief Information Officer for MRL, states, “This is our fourth year of distributing sweatshirts to Montana kids. This idea came from our 1,200 Montana employees who were asked how they would like to partner with the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation to give back to the communities in which they live and work. The past three year’s sweatshirt programs were a huge hit with kids and teachers in Missoula, Bonner, Drummond, Helena, Frenchtown, Alberton, Superior, Stevensville and Florence. Due to the overwhelming community support, it just made sense to continue the program in other Montana schools. Including this year, MRL employees have distributed nearly 8,500 sweatshirts. We pride ourselves on being a good community partner and neighbor and are proud of our employees and their involvement in the communities in which we operate.”

Heather Mattson, Director of Revenue Accounting, and MRL sweatshirt program project manager states, “It is a great time of the year to give back to the communities we serve. It is a joy to see the excitement in the kid’s eyes as they open their present from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and MRL. As a parent and employee, I am proud to work for a Montana company that cares about the future generation of our great state.”

Photograph: Students in Big Timber celebrate their new sweatshirts provided by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and Montana Rail Link