$12,000 still needed for year-end Chest push
By Sam Waller
The annual Albany Chest campaign is in its final days, and the drive is still almost $12,000 short of the 2021 goal of $46,000 set by the directors.
According to Chest treasurer Paige Adair, $34,291 had been deposited as of Tuesday, substantially more than a couple of weeks ago largely because of a generous donation.
“The large contributions are great, but we also rely on a broad base of smaller donors,” said Chest board vice president Melinda Lucas. “It’s important that Albany citizens realize how far-reaching the Chest is and how many people, from infants to senior adults, are helped by these funds.”
With the official deadline only a week away, she urged all local residents to try to give something, even if it’s only a few dollars.
“We don’t want to stall out at this point,” Lucas continued. “If we don’t get closer to our goal, we will have to make some hard decisions when it comes time to distribute the money next month.”
This week, the News spotlights the remainder of the organizations that are requesting assistance.
The fundraising drive will end on Dec. 31.
Contributions to the Chest can be given to tellers at First Financial Bank or First National Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 2019, Albany TX 76430.
Nancy Smith
Elementary School
Nancy Smith Elementary School is seeking $1,500 to supply its incentive program for student awards throughout the year.
“This year, we are offering rewards at the end of each six weeks for achievements such as A honor roll, A/B honor roll, perfect attendance, and other school activities,” principal John Gallagher said. “Our hope is to use both Cub Mart and add additional activities such as snowcones, town gift cards and other icentives to continue to promote academic success at Nancy Smith Elementary.
The school has started a new initiative focused on doing the right thing, Gallagher said, such as helping other students or picking up trash in the hallways. Students that are “caught” supporting the campus or another student are recognized during daily announcements and rewarded at the end of each six weeks. The program is being led by school counselor Susie Beard and has already had great success.
“We look forward to continued success at Nancy Smith Elementary with the use of Cub Mart and additional incentive activities throughout the year,” Gallagher said.
Softball Association
Albany Softball Association provides competition for more than 60 girls during its season. The association is asking for $2,500 to cover half its operating budget.
“The Albany Softball Association conducts yearly fundraising events and with the help of the Albany Chest will ensure that every child has the opportunity to play with proper equipment in useful condition,” Jacey Shack said. “This contribution will help pay for necessary field expenses and travel fees for the 63 girls on our rosters. It will also help pay for player insurance for individual families that might not be able to afford it.”
Albany Little League
Albany Little League has provided summer recreation for children for well over 50 years. The program has more than 160 participants competing in T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Minor, Major, Intermediate and Junior age divisions.
While Albany Little League receives some funding from Little League International, it is seeking $2,000 from Albany Chest to cover 13.3 percent of its budget.
“League registration fees account for 56 percent of our operating budget,” J.Paul Hamilton said. “The league relies on generous donations such as the Albany Chest to make up the difference. In the past, the league has raised money from outfield sign sponsors, memorial gifts and fundraisers to make ends meet.”
Albany Little League also solicits donations for capital needs such as new infield grass two years ago and new batting cages and nets for the upcoming year, Hamilton said.
“This request from the Albany Chest will only go toward our operating budget,” Hamilton said.
GED Program
General Education Development classes helps adults achieve the equivalent of a high school diploma
The local program is part of and receives funding from Abilene Adult Education, a part of the Abilene Independent School District, which oversees GED programs in 19 area counties. A grant from the Texas Workforce Commission funds the cost of the class.
To obtain a GED, students must pass tests for math, language arts, social studies and science. Each test costs $36.25.
The program is requesting $600 to cover cost of the tests for local students.
The Local Exchange
Neighbors In Need, now called The Local Exchange, is a satellite ministry of Closet Angels but is not affiliated with Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Closet Angels director Lori Reames said the Exchange strives to help local families with basic needs such as heaters, window units, and fans.
“We accept used ones, but rarely have enough donated, so we purchase when possible from Higginbothams,” Reames said.
The Local Exchange is requesting $1,000, representing 100 percent of its budget, to help with such purchases.
“It depends on how many requests we get for heaters and air conditioners and how much money we raise,” Reames said. “We plan on doing fundraisers if needed.”
Reames said a portable, infrared electric heater would retail at $169.99 from Higginbotham Bros., while propane heaters range from $89 to $250. A small window unit air conditioner retails at $149.99.
Project Graduation
Project Graduation is an annual program of the Albany Drug Task Force that helps commemorate graduation as an educational milestone and a symbolic passage into adulthood.
“This alcohol-and drug-free graduation party is a wonderful way to conclude a student’s experience at Albany High School,” co-coordinator Kim Fuentes said. “The entire night is free to all members of the graduating class in order to reward them for their years of hard work and to encourage maximum participation. All costs are covered by fundraisers and tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses in our community.”
The Task Force is seeking $1,000 from Albany Chest to cover 20 percent of the cost of the event.
“Continued support from the community and friends of Albany High School will complete the efforts to provide a fun-filled night for the students,” Fuentes said.
Resource Center
Programs
The Shackelford County Community Resource Center submitted three requests totaling $13,500 to help fund three of its programs.
“ResourceCare is very fortunate to be located in a town like Albany that supports the many different missions we strive to serve in this community,” program director Mindy Ary said. “The success stories we experience by helping others has been made possible by generous contributions that are designated for our programs each year. An important part of our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
ResourceCare is requesting $6,000 for it Summer Day Camp, $2,500 for ASPIRE (After School Program Initiating Reinforcement in Education) and $5,000 for Vittles by Vehicle.
The summer day camp, which is free of charge, is offered each year in July for children in Pre-K through sixth grade. The request, which seeks an additional $1,000 this year to help offset the loss of a $20,000 grant from United Way, represents nine percent of the program’s budget.
In 2021, the camp enrolled 178 children and provided jobs for 41 high school students and two college students. The camp served 2,585 breakfasts and 2,515 lunches.
“The camp helps provide a safe place for kids during the summer while also forming mentoring relationships, physical fitness, vacation Bible school, jobs to Albany youth, and many more fun activities,” Ary said.
ASPIRE has 18 third and fourth grade students from Nancy Smith Elementary School enrolled in the program, which focuses on completing homework with an emphasis on overall improvement in grades and a child’s attitude toward learning. The request covers 23 percent of its budget.
“This is a free program for students who are chosen by teachers and counselors based on grades, test scores and other barriers they might be facing at home,” Ary said. “We employ three teachers to run this program as well s provide daily snacks.”
Vittles by Vehicles provides delivery of meals to elderly and shut-ins each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The program currently serves 39 recipients. The request is 23 percent of the budget.
“This program has been in operation for over 20 years and continues to meet the needs of those in need of a warm meal,” Ary said.
Local churches coordinate to cover deliveries, rotating volunteers monthly. The service is eligible to those age 60 and older, the disabled and those who are shut-ins because of a medical condition.
In 2020, Vittles by Vehicle delivered 5,642 meals.
Shackelford Co. 4-H
Shackelford County 4-H is requesting $1,500 to help defray costs of activities and events sponsored locally as well as expenses associated with attending district and state 4-H activities. The amount would cover 50 percent of its budget.
“The 4-H organization provides a variety of learning experiences for the young people of Shackelford County,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “It helps them become responsible, productive citizens and leaders of their community and country.
The club currently has 48 members with five adult volunteers. While there are no membership fees, members are expected to fund their own projects.
Among the projects members are involved in are Livestock (beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry), Horse, Fashion (sewing), Food and Nutrition, Shooting Sports (shotgun, rifle, pistol, and archery), and Photography.
Shackelford Co.
Rural Volunteer Fire
Department
The Shackelford County Rural Volunteer Fire Department helps provide protection against fire for residents throughout the county. The department has been active in combatting grass fires on county ranches this fall.
The department seeks, $2,500 to help pay monthly bills and keep up maintenance on trucks and equipment.
County Library
The Shackelford County Library has served Albany since 1956. It is requesting $2,500 to cover its budget for the year. The library also accepts donations of books and money in addition to conducting book sales to meet its needs.
Funds are needed to cover the library’s $1,500 share of the Big Country Digital Consortium’s subscription to Overdrive, which provides access to audiobooks, music and e-books for library patrons.
The remainder will be used to purchase physical books for children, youth and adults.
Stepping Stones
Christian School
Stepping Stones Christian School has served Albany for more than 40 years, but is just in its third year as a nonprofit organization. Stepping Stones is requesting $2,000 to cover five percent of its budget.
“This school has given hundreds of Albany children the early childhood education needed to give them a successful start in their school careers,” director Ginny Ivy said.
The Feed Store
The Feed Store’s mission is to feed the spiritual and physical needs of Albany youth. The program is asking for $3,000 to cover four percent of its budget.
“Our vision is that we introduce kids to Jesus and help them grow in their faith,” executive director Tisha Wilkins said. “We accomplish this through a variety of outreach points, specifically Tuesday lunches for junior and senior students, and other opportunities during the week for all junior high and high school students.”
The Feed Store allocates about $250 per week for about 40 juniors and seniors each Tuesday of the school year.
Senior Citizens
Activity Center
The Senior Citizens Activity Center has provided local residents age 50 and over with activities, food, fun, fellowship, and educational opportunities since opening in June 2021. The center is requesting $3,000 for general upkeep and operations.
“We have had a little bit of a slower start than we originally planned due to the pandemic,” Tracy Sullivan said. “However, we are so blessed to have our doors open and opportunities to serve our aging community. We operate solely on donations and fundraisers.”
