11.21.2007 - 01:45pm ET

(CSRwire) ABBOTT PARK, IL - November 21, 2007 - This holiday season, Abbott employees are reaching out to help their neighbors, providing more than $7.2 million in support for health and human service organizations in communities across the country. These employee contributions from the company's annual giving campaign are part of the nearly $300 million in grants and products Abbott and Abbott Fund donate each year.

Charitable giving by Abbott employees across the country increased nearly 25 percent from the company's annual giving campaign in 2006. Abbott employees pledged donations to more than 4,000 different civic organizations, non-governmental organizations and other non-profit groups.

But financial donations are only part of how Abbott's people give back - Abbott employees are also volunteering in their local communities to help make a difference in people's lives during the holidays and throughout the year.

Katryn Amundson, a senior specialist in marketing at Abbott Spine in Austin, Texas, supports AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) through Abbott's employee giving campaign, and also serves as a board member and volunteer. Amundson has a personal connection to ASA's mission of supporting people and families affected by HIV/AIDS, having lost both her parents to AIDS when she was just a child. "I'm proud to work for a company that does so much to help people affected by this life-changing disease, both globally and in our own neighborhoods," says Amundson. "Volunteering with ASA, I've had the opportunity to help families affected by AIDS, but I've gained as much as I've given. I've been truly inspired by a community of people who have had experiences similar to mine."

In Columbus, Ohio, where many of Abbott's nutrition products such as Similac infant formula are made, long-time Abbott employee Olivia McGee supports another cause that has affected her life. "My mother died of complications from diabetes, so I give to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help find a cure," said McGee. "Taking advantage of Abbott's employee giving program makes donations easy. I also support and volunteer for the United Way. If you give financially or volunteer your time, it comes back to you. It's a blessing to others and to yourself."

Sandra Burke is an Abbott scientist who is dedicating both her career and her free time and funding to fighting heart disease through her active support and involvement with the American Heart Association (AHA). "I am passionate about this cause, since cardiovascular disease is the number-one cause of death for women in this country. It's the perfect way for me to apply the passion I have for my work to a cause that can directly make a difference in people's lives," said Burke, who serves as director, Cardiovascular Biology Research for Abbott Vascular, and is on the board of directors for the AHA's Midwest affiliate. "Abbott truly cares about the health care issues facing our communities, and this inspires me to show, in a personal way, my commitment to giving. It's gratifying to see that so many of my colleagues share this commitment. Each of us can make a small impact, but when we work together, what a strong statement we make!"

About Abbott and Abbott Fund

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs 65,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information on Abbott Fund, visit www.abbottfund.org.

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