Manufacturer Hooker Furniture is contributing $50,000 to a capital campaign of the New College Institute, a state-funded institution that makes college education accessible to people of all ages, according to a story in the Martinsville Bulletin.

The donation will help to fund construction of the New College Institute's first standalone building, which is under construction and scheduled for completion by spring of next year.

"Education is one of the key components of Hooker's charitable giving, and the New College Institute's unique model to connect education with economic development is visionary," said Paul Toms Jr., Hooker's chairman and CEO. "We view this new NCI initiative as being transformative for the citizens of Martinsville and Henry County and our region, and this is a natural tie-in to the philanthropic efforts of Hooker Furniture."

New College Foundation Board Chairman Kimble Reynolds expressed gratitude, saying, "Hooker Furniture is well known in this community for their philanthropy, and this gift is an example of their commitment to making a difference in the lives the citizens of this region."