ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 11 -- Eastman Kodak Company today announced the donation of digital imaging equipment to 55 of the nation's National Parks. The grants, which have a total value of over $200,000, are made possible through Kodak's partnership with the National Park Foundation as a "Proud Partner of America's National Parks." The purpose of the donation is to help the National Parks harness the power of pictures to better connect people to their National Parks and thus enrich the experience of the millions of people who visit the parks each year. Through the National Park Foundation, the nation's National Parks were encouraged to apply to the Foundation, on a competitive basis, for the Kodak equipment grants. The donation consists of Kodak professional and EasyShare digital cameras, camera docks, memory cards, 8-in-1 card readers, Kodak professional digital photo printers, and professional Ektatherm 1400 paper kits. The value of the grant to each National Park is up to $5,000. "As a Proud Partner of America's National Parks, Kodak has generously donated digital photographic equipment to fifty-five National Park Service sites. This equipment will be used to enhance visitor and volunteer programs, assist Parks with creating or expanding their digital archives, and enhancing Park print publications," said Mike Bento, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications for the National Park Foundation. "The donation of the photography equipment is part of Kodak's commitment as a Proud Partner of America's National Parks," said David Kiser, Director and Vice President, Health, Safety, and Environment, Eastman Kodak Company. "Through products, people, and technology, Kodak is working closely with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to help provide innovative ways to increase public awareness of America's 388 National Parks." The Proud Partner program is a natural extension of Kodak's long-standing relationship with the National Parks. It was through the use of Kodak film that the National Geographic Magazine and other media were able to bring the first National Parks into America's homes and schools at the very early part of the last century. And since the 1960's, Kodak Ambassadors have worked in a number of the National Parks conducting summer photography programs for visitors.