OPELIKA, Ala. — During the noon hour on Wednesday, Ajin USA and Wooshin USA hosted their annual community donation luncheon in the banquet room at Saugahatchee Country Club. The two local auto suppliers have been doing this every year since 2009. The luncheon meeting usually takes place on the eve of Thanksgiving, and it gives the two companies a chance to express some gratitude to Chambers-County law enforcement agencies, fire and EMS departments, schools, charities, and public service organizations for what they do for the community.

The amount given usually increases with each passing year. This year the total amount was up to $160,000.

Company President and CEO Jung Ho Sea was present at the luncheon to personally award the checks to the various entities receiving this spirit of Thanksgiving support.

“I want to thank everyone for being here today and for what you do for the people of Chambers County,” said David Wilkerson, Ajin’s general manager for human resources.

The organizations receiving donations included the Alabama Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, the Auburn University Foundation, the Christian Service Center, the Chambers County Library, the Chambers County School District, Inspire Academy, the Lanett City School System. the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Valley Police Department, Lanett Police Department, Lanett Fire & EMS, East Alabama Fire & EMS, Huguley Water & Fire, EAMC-Lanier Hospital, Valley Haven School and the Valley United Fund.

Receiving the checks on behalf of each entity were T.J. Wood for the Youth Ranches; Cheryl Myers for the Christian Service Center; Mary Hamilton for the Chambers County Library; Sheriff Jeff Nelson, CCSO; Chief Mike Reynolds, VPD; Chief Denise McCain, LPD; Interim Chief Jamie Heard, Lanett Fire Department; Administrator Greg Nichols, EAMC-Lanier; Diane Green for Valley Haven School and Michael Weiss for the Valley United Fund.

Based in Korea, Ajin USA is a global supplier of parts for Hyundai and Kia with manufacturing plants in the U.S., South Korea, China and Vietnam. With more than 600 employees, Ajin’s Cusseta plant is the largest employer in Chambers County.

Also based in Korea, Wooshin USA is a leading automobile parts company that’s fast becoming a leader in that field. The company has continuously evolved and expanded through product offerings, from automotive parts to interactive vehicles.