The Shaka Franklin Foundation has received $10,000 from the UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of United Parcel Service, toward the purchase of a van.

The Shaka Franklin Foundation, founded in October 1990, by community activist, Les Franklin, works to educate and inform young people, parents and others on the seriousness of teen suicide. The foundation provides positive programs and activities for young people to help them feel whole and important in life and to encourage them to make a positive contribution to their community. Les Franklin started the Foundation after the suicide death of his 16-year-old son. Colorado has been in the top ten states for teen suicide for as long as records have been kept by the Colorado Department of Health.

A van will be used to transport young people to workshops, seminars and excursions presented by the Foundation.

The grant is part of a nationwide program implemented by the UPS Foundation in 1984. Throughout the country, United Parcel Service district grant committees identify urgent community needs and recommend for funding organizations that have the ability to meet those needs effectively.