Minwax, a manufacturer of wood finishing products, announced the winners of its 2014 “Do Good with Wood” contest, recognizing individuals and groups that promote community improvement through woodworking projects.

The first-place winner is Stoked Mentoring, which mentors more than 3,500 teens in New York and Los Angeles. Throughout a child’s high school career, Stoked uses woodworking as an essential component to help them grow and learn.

The program’s first-year students make approximately 250 wooden skateboard decks by hand to foster improved communication, enhanced teamwork, project planning and motor skills, and raise patience and perseverance.

The group was awarded a $5,000 cash prize, a supply of Minwax products and a private wood finishing workshop with Bruce Johnson.

“We are overjoyed and proud to acknowledge the members of Stoked Mentoring Inc. for their dedication to the students they touch year after year,” Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands vice president of marketing Janet Krakow said in a statement.

“We applaud Stoked for the tireless hours, hard work and passion that they give to woodworking and these young people in hopes of paving a brighter future. Their work demonstrates the heart of the Minwax Do Good with Wood award program.”

Second prize went to the Central Minnesota Woodcarvers Association for its work for the CentraCare Health Hospice in St. Cloud, Minn. Projects include honor canes for veterans and comfort crosses.

The entry deadline for the 2015 contest is Dec. 31.

For information, visit www.minwax.com.

This article originally appeared in the August 2015 issue.