Local organizations that help children got an extra boost this past year by larger than usual contributions by Launching Success Learning Store. The store’s 2010 giving program included a total of $7,360 to 60 different institutions including public and private schools, family assistance agencies, and clubs that help children.

“All but a few of the donations were for Whatcom County groups,” store spokesman Dan Sanford said in a press release.  “An additional 17 organizations joined the list of recipients in 2010 for funds that grew by 50 percent from 2009.”

Major recipients last year included schools in the Bellingham, Ferndale and Meridian school districts, Agape House, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Outside of the area, large donations were sent to the Southwest Alaska School District, Project Education in Kenya and New Generation orphanage in Haiti.

For more information on Launching Success, visit www.launchingsuccess.com or call (360) 527-2641.