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Southwest Georgia Oil Company, inc. (SWGO) pledged $100,000 to Memorial Hospital and Manor through the Georgia Heart program.

The money will go towards improving the Magnolia Women’s Center, Kirbo Women’s Center, and Memorial Pediatric Center. Glennie Bench, CFO of SWGO, said she’s excited at the opportunity to make a difference locally.

“Rural hospitals all over the country have almost insurmountable challenges, and we are thrilled that our tax dollars can be used to overcome those challenges right here in our hometown at Memorial Hospital and Manor.”

The Georgia HEART program is a state program that helps secure funding for rural and critical access hospitals. Funds can be donated or contributed through tax credits. $1.69 million in state tax dollars has been pledged to Memorial Hospital and Manor, and they have received $900,000 of that amount this year so far.

SWGO is the parent company of the Inland/SunStop gas station and the Total Petroleum company.

Memorial Hospital and Manor CEO Jim Lambert said he’s grateful for SWGO’s contribution.

“We want to express our deepest appreciation to Southwest Georgia Oil Company, Inc. for their continued support of Memorial Hospital and Manor,” Lambert said. “They are a great example of a hometown business that has made the choice to invest in our local hospital for the betterment of all residents and the surrounding counties.”

Jamie Sinko, the Director of Development at Memorial Hospital and Manor, said the Georgia Heart program “improves the financial condition and patient offerings” at the hospital. She urges anyone eligible to contribute to the hospital through Georgia Heart.

“The process is quick and easy,” Sinko said. “All you have to do is visit the Georgia Heart website to sign up and contribute.”

The Georgia Heart website is https://www.georgiaheart.org.