ATLANTA, GA.- This holiday season, The Coca-Cola Foundation spreads more than $4.8 million worth of cheer – in the form of its fourth-quarter grants – to 29 organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

In 2011, the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company awarded more than $24.2 million to 115 community organizations in the U.S. and Canada, benefitting active, healthy living; community, arts and culture; diversity and inclusion; education and youth development; and environment programs. In total, the Foundation has given more than $70 million to sustainable community initiatives across the globe this year.

“As 2011 comes to a close, we continue to celebrate organizations in the community that work to build a better future for us all,” said Lori George Billingsley, Vice President, Community Relations, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “We are proud to partner with organizations that work to make a difference in the lives of so many across North America.”

The $4.8 million awarded in the fourth quarter includes more than $2.7 million for community, arts and culture organizations; $867,133 million for active, healthy living initiatives; $590,000 to support diversity and inclusion; $274,000 for education programs; $250,000 for community recycling efforts; and $150,000 for water stewardship projects.