Albany Chest passes halfway mark to goal

The annual Albany Chest campaign is in full swing with half of the money requested already donated to the charitable fund, but just a short six weeks left to finish the drive. 

Directors set a goal of $42,000 for the 2018 campaign, and this Tuesday morning, treasurer Paige Adair reported that $21,432 had been raised so far. The committee still needs to receive another $20,568 to hit the targeted amount.

Twenty-six different organizations, including two new applicants, submitted requests for this year’s funding, all of which were considered by the board.

Local residents are reminded that everyone is not expected to give large amounts. 

“If we each give what we can, it is an attainable goal,” board vice president Donnie Lucas said. “The Chest continues to be a great way to support our community and the organizations who benefit our community so much. If everyone helps, the small donations really add up and make a big difference.” 

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 Scout Pack 255

The Albany Cub Scouts Pack #255, have requested $1,500 from the Chest this year. 

According to den mother Teri Lucas, this is the first year that girls have been allowed to join Cub Scouts, and Pack 255 currently has 12 Scouts and four adults.

The requested funding would help pay for adult registration, leadership literature and training, and awards and activities for the Scouts.

“Activities include the Pinewood Derby Race, the Blue and Gold Banquet, a Christmas party, and an end-of-the-year party,” said the den mother. “We also help pay for a boy/girl to be in Scouts, help with getting them a shirt, patches for the Scout shirt, and a Scout handbook if the child’s family is unable to do so.”

This year the nonprofit is also requesting funding for a specific project.

The Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts will be sharing the cost of buying tables, a microwave, and a small refrigerator for the Scout Hut.

First Love Daycare

First Love Daycare is an accredited five-day-a-week day care facility in Albany that operates out of the First Baptist Church building, according to director Joni Beaty. The classes are currently full, and there is a waiting list of children who need out-of-home care.

“First Love provides a Christian, nondenominational learning program for each of its children in a clean, attractive, and healthy environment,” said Beaty. “It provides school pickup, transportation to extracurricular activities, daily snacks, and a nutritious lunch. The cheerful atmosphere includes artwork by the children and learning materials appropriate for each grade level.”

Beaty added that the workers are trained to be alert to each child’s needs, and that enables the children to develop both mentally and physically.

Although the center would like things like a new playground covering and classroom furniture, Beaty said that those “wish” items are not what she is asking the Chest to help fund. Instead First Love is just trying to fund their daily needs such as food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies.

First Love has requested $2,000 to help cover expenses for children and workers.

“Without additional financial aid, the center will have to cut back or raise prices,” said Beaty. “The ever-increasing prices of common necessities are causing financial stresses on the center.”

The organization has been in Albany for 23 years, and the nonprofit has benefitted from Chest support in the past.

Albany GED Program

The Albany GED program is requesting $750 from the Chest to help pay for the costs for students to take practice tests, to take the four parts of the GED test, and to fund a reception for GED graduates after their commencement ceremony.

Doyleen Terrell began the program four years ago to offer instruction and encouragement to local adults seeking to earn their high school equivalency diploma. 

The educational program has joined with similar programs in 18 other counties under Abilene Adult Education and is in part sponsored by the Taylor County Adult Literacy Council and Texas Workforce Solutions. Kenzie Fairchild is now in charge of the local program, and her salary and classroom materials are funded through Abilene Adult Education. 

Students have to pass four different sections of the exam, and the portions cost $36.25 each. GED practice exams are $6 each.

A total of 18 students have graduated with their GED certificate through the program.

Contributions

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.

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.