Albany Chest reaches record goal

The official year-end deadline for the Albany Chest loomed large a few days before Christmas with the 2018 campaign more than $9,000 short of its record goal, but several last-minute donations, both large and small, have put the drive over the top, according to board president Amy Kelly.

The drive reached the $42,000 targeted goal this week and, as of Tuesday, Jan. 8, the fund had slightly exceeded that amount with a total of $42,157, according to board treasurer Paige Adair.

“We are really pleased that we met and exceeded this goal, because we understand that it is not easy for some people to give during the holiday season,” said board vice president Donnie Lucas. “Once again, the people of Albany came through, and once again, a large percentage of the population will benefit from these funds.”

The total amount requested by the 26 organizations that applied for funding was $48,950. Three of those applicants did not request a specific dollar amount, while other entreaties exceeded the $3,000 per organization limit imposed by the board several years ago.

The Chest by-laws allow the board to grant funds in excess of the limit when an organization has a one-time specific need and provides details on how the monies will be spent.

The directors met on Oct. 3, reviewed the solicitations, and set the 2018 drive goal at $42,000 to cover recommended distributions of $41,450. The record target reflected an increased number of requests. 

In both 2017 and 2016 a goal of $40,000 benefitted a total of 23 organizations. The 2016 drive exceeded its goal before year-end, but the campaign struggled last year, still about $1,000 short when awards were made in mid-January.

The board met at the Feed Store on Wednesday, Jan. 9 to finalize allocation of the funds.