RICHMOND, Va. — As part of its Regional Giving Program, the CarMax Foundation awarded two grants this week to non-profit organizations.

The foundation awarded the Texas Lions Camp — which is located in the San Antonio area — a $22,500 grant on Monday, and then on Tuesday the foundation announced a $5,000 grant for Junior Achievement of Oklahoma.

The Texas Lions Camp's grant will go toward its 2010 summer camp, which offers week-long programs for Texas children ages 8 through 15 who have type 1 diabetes.  Workshops and activities thorughout the camps  help teach these children about diabetes.

Officials said it also aims to show attendees how to live a productive life with diabetes.

By attending the camp, children can talk with some of their peers who may be going through similar challenges. There will also be a medical team that offers instruction on nutrition and diabetes care.

"These camps are all about education, self-esteem and fun," stated Guido Merkens, Southwest Regional Giving Committee chairperson and CarMax location general manager in San Antonio.  "We enjoyed volunteering at last summer's camp events, and we are honored to be among the supporters of this great organization."

Meanwhile, the grant for JA will go toward its local Title 1 high schools.

The program is designed to encourage and support students in continuing their education while also teaching them to become self-sufficient adults and to contribute to the community.  It also instructs students on the basics of how to be financially independent.

For instance, students are taught how to pay monthly bills and given instruction regarding large purchases.

JA aims to show students how their futures will be impacted by these lessons.

"Junior Achievement is reaching out to local young people who really need encouragement and support to stay in school and continue working for their dream jobs," stated Tori Miller, CarMax location general manager in Tulsa, Okla. 

"The CarMax Foundation is proud to support this organization that teaches students about the reality of education and economics as they prepare to join our community's workforce," Miller added.

As some may know, the Regional Giving Program offers grants to qualifying non-profits that aim to benefit education and youth leadership. The local organizations receiving the grants are chosen by CarMax associates located in these respective regions.