y have reached the century mark but W. W. Williams, located in Acworth, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and in honor of the milestone, employees made a sizeable donation to Advocates for Children to help continue the work of the nonprofit in the community.

“Most of us here are parents of kids and it was something that we thought was an obvious need,” said Ken Cooper, customer support manager for W. W. Williams.

The company, which was started in 1912 by William Wallace Williams Sr., is a commercial truck repair facility and multi-line engine distributor. As part of its centennial event, Cooper said each W. W. Williams location nationwide was given funds to disperse to charities in their individual communities from the company’s philanthropic arm, The Williams Foundation.

Cooper said employees at the Acworth location voted on local nonprofits who were nominated to receive the donation and Advocates for Children was chosen unanimously.

Cooper said gifting the donation is one of the many ways W. W. Williams hopes to cement itself in the Bartow County community.

“It’s our way of being a part of the community and giving back and helping to meet a need in the community,” Cooper said. ‘I’m glad we were able to do this.”

A $7,500 check was presented to Advocates Executive Director Patty Eagar and Development Director Karen White during an open house held at W. W. Williams Sept. 19.

Eagar said the donation came as a pleasant surprise.

“It was a gift out of the blue,” Eagar said. “It really is a wonderful gift.”

Eagar said it was a mystery which employee nominated but Advocates is grateful for the kindness of the employees at W. W. Williams.

“It is very touching,” Eagar said.

White said Advocates plans to put the donation to good use.

“The need is great,” White said. “Private donations like this are wonderful and we appreciate the support.”