By partnering with public schools across our region to meet real needs in classrooms, the Foundation helps ensure every child has access to quality education.
Through dual enrollment and early college programs, the Foundation gives students the tools and opportunities to build rewarding careers close to home.
When students succeed, our communities thrive. The Foundation’s work uplifts families, supports educators, and strengthens eastern Oklahoma for generations to come.
The William Barry Love Foundation was created to honor the legacy of William Barry Love — longtime President and CEO of Love Bottling Company, a lifelong Oklahoman, and a man devoted to giving back to the place that shaped him.
A portion of Love Bottling’s profits is dedicated to supporting organizations that serve youth and families throughout eastern Oklahoma. The Foundation’s mission is simple but powerful: to empower and protect students, invest in their future, and strengthen our communities for generations to come.
watch to learn more about the history of Love Bottling
learn more about William Barry Love Foundation’s mission
Since its first grants were awarded in 2024, the William Barry Love Foundation has invested $3.2 million in local schools and youth programs, reaching thousands across the region. From early literacy and STEM education to upgraded facilities and medical transportation for children in need, these funds ensure communities have access to the tools they need to succeed. Together, these efforts reflect what happens when local success is reinvested to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Given to local youth and students since 2024
The Foundation supports a wide range of initiatives that strengthen both students and the communities they call home. Each grant—whether supporting classrooms, career pathways, or local nonprofits—reflects a shared commitment to helping our community thrive.
The Foundation proudly supports programs that expand access to college and career pathways for local students. Through Muskogee Public Schools’ Early College High School in partnership with Connors State College, students can graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree—giving them a valuable head start toward their future.
Similarly, Concurrent Enrollment with Connors State College at Hilldale Public Schools covers tuition and fees for high school students earning college credit. By reducing both the time and cost of higher education, these programs create new possibilities for students to stay local while preparing for in-demand careers.
To help students thrive in the classroom and beyond, the Foundation invests in targeted academic programs that foster learning and engagement. Through initiatives like the Elementary Reading and Math Interventionists and the Pershing After School Program, Muskogee Public Schools can provide personalized instruction and enrichment that supports every learner.
At the middle school level, the Ignite Math Tutoring Program extends learning opportunities into the evenings, while Hilldale Teacher Mentors strengthen classroom leadership and instructional quality. Together, these programs give students and teachers the tools to grow and succeed.
The Foundation believes in preparing Oklahomans for the jobs that power our region’s future. Grants such as the ICTC CDL Class A Scholarships and various healthcare scholarships remove financial barriers for students pursuing high-demand careers in transportation, logistics, and healthcare.
These programs not only open doors for individuals to build meaningful careers but also support local businesses, strengthen the regional economy, and ensure our communities continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.
Beyond education, the Foundation is deeply committed to organizations that provide essential services for children and families. Support for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Kids’ Space helps ensure that vulnerable youth have access to safety, advocacy, and care.
Additionally, funding for Shriners Medical Transportation assists families by providing travel support for children who need specialized medical treatment. These programs, along with nutrition support and facility improvements across the region, reflect the Foundation’s belief that a strong community starts with supporting its people.
The William Barry Love Foundation was created to carry forward the legacy of its namesake — a man whose leadership, generosity, and community spirit defined Love Bottling Company for decades. Barry Love believed that success meant more when it was shared, and that every business has a responsibility to lift up the communities it serves.
Today, the Foundation continues that vision by investing in the lives of students and families throughout the region. Each grant reflects the same values that guided Love’s life: hard work, service, and love for Oklahoma communities.
This grant reflects our mission to ensure every student in Muskogee has access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive. William Barry Love built his life and legacy here, and this is one way we continue honoring his vision for Muskogee’s future."
For more than a century, Love Bottling Company has been a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s business community — a locally owned company with deep roots and a strong sense of purpose. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Muskogee, Love Bottling distributes more than 600 Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products across eastern Oklahoma, proudly employing local residents and serving generations of families and businesses.
Giving back is part of who we are. Through The William Barry Love Foundation and other initiatives, Love Bottling turns business success into tangible community benefits—supporting students, creating opportunities, and upholding the values of service, pride, and local leadership.
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The William Barry Love Foundation is proud to stand alongside local businesses and nonprofits that share our belief in giving back. These efforts reflect the importance of reinvesting in the people and communities that we call home.
