Shannon Matlock, left, director of human resources at Numatics, receives a 2012 Walk for Warmth T-shirt from Traci Woodward, Walk for Warmth coordinator. Numatics donated $5,000 to the annual walk scheduled on Feb. 25. The shirt was designed by Sandusiy 5th grader April Bartle. Photo by Jessica Bungart A local manufacturing plant has stepped up again, this time with sizable donations that will help keep the heat on in low income homes, and pay for training and equipment for local police.

On Feb. 13, Numatics presented a $5,000 check to Walk for Warmth, the program operated by the Human Development Commission that assists struggling families and senior citizens with utility emergencies.

The check was presented about two weeks prior to the annual Walk for Warmth fundraiser in Sanilac County Feb. 25 in Sandusky.

"We could not be more appreciative for the donation," said Jessica Bungart, Walk for Warmth co-coordinator.

"The money will allow us to help even more struggling individuals and families in Sanilac County. We are grateful not only for the monetary support, we are also grateful for the Walk for Warmth participation from the employees."

On Feb. 14, the company surprised Sandusky Chief of Police Brett Lester and city Manager Dave Faber with a check for $5,000, during a tour of the plant in the city's industrial park.

"That's just awesome," said Lester, whose department will use the money for training and to buy safety equipment.

"They were real humble about it. We were both surprised. They said they just wanted to give back to the community."

Numatics has now donated a total of $20,000 in recent months. In December, the company presented a check for $10,000 to McKenzie Health System.

"It's part of our company philosophy to do what we can to give back to the community that our Sandusky facility is part of," Lance told the News. "We're grateful for the support we receive from the community."

ASCO Numatics/Emerson- Sandusky Plant employs close to 200 people in the manufacturing of pneumatic valves.