Chest total still short by $12,343
The annual Albany Chest campaign will continue for two more weeks, and another $12,343 is needed to meet goal of $42,000 set by the directors for the 2018 campaign.
Donations of $29,657 have been given so far this year, including $4,550 contributed during the last week. Although 70.6 percent of the goal has been met, the end of the year, and the campaign, is fast approaching.
Twenty-six different organizations, including two new applicants, submitted requests for this year’s funding, all of which were considered by the board.
The Albany Chest board traditionally waits to see how the money comes in before setting the final allocations.
The fundraising drive will end on Dec. 31 and board members hope to distribute checks to the organizations soon after the first of the year.
“The Chest helps out so many organizations,” said board vice president Donnie Lucas, “I think that every family in Albany is impacted in some way.”
In each issue during the next few weeks, a brief look will be taken at two or three of the benefitting organizations in order to give prospective donors an idea of their activities.
Cub Mart
Nancy Smith Elementary School students are awarded points they can use at Cub Mart for attendance, AR reading, and good behavior.
“The organization is 100 percent comprised of volunteers, with zero overhead expenses,” said principal Jonathan Scott. “All funds are spent directly to benefit every student from kindergarten to sixth grade. Cub Mart was designed to inspire students to excel in areas of academia and positive behavior.”
At the end of each six weeks period, students who have earned points from their teachers get to spend them for items such as DVDs, video games, electronic games, gift cards, or gift certificates to local stores or restaurants that have been donated or purchased with contributions.
The organization has requested $1,500 again this year, which is approximately one quarter of the annual budget.
Other funding for the nonprofit comes from private donations and the Parent-Teacher Organization.
“Our goal is to provide students with rewards for their academic efforts,” said Scott.
County VFD
The Shackelford County Rural Fire Department serves 980 square miles and 3,000 people, fighting all sorts of grass and range fires, according to fire chief Brad Henry.
Members of the organization have also assisted the Albany VFD in battling structural fires in Albany.
The nonprofit has requested $2,500.
“We need funds to help with general operating expenses,” said firefighter Kristi Brooker.
Contributions to the Chest can be given to Paige Adair at First National Bank or Keri Hebel at First Financial Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 2019, Albany TX 76430.
