$16,250 still needed for year-end Chest push
By Sandy Morris
There is one week left in 2020, which means there is only one week left to make a donation to the annual Albany Chest campaign.
Despite last week’s jump to hit the 50 percent mark, contributions are still needed in order to meet the 2020 fundraising goal of $41,000.
The goal was set by the directors at the start of the campaign after they reviewed the submitted funding requests from 25 organizations.
The total donated as of Monday, Dec. 21 was $24,750.
Even sitting at the 60 percent point, more funds are required to keep the board from having to make difficult funding cuts. These decisions will mean local organizations will receive much less money than they requested.
Reminder postcards were mailed out on Tuesday, Dec. 15 to previous donors who haven’t yet contributed this year.
This week’s edition will focus on the remaining organizations requesting assistance from the Albany Chest.
Albany Baseball
Association
The Albany Baseball Association supports baseball for approximately 160 Albany children, boys and girls, ages five to 14.
Typically the ABA has relied on registration fees, donations, fundraisers, concession stand revenue, and outfield advertising signs to generate the funds needed to cover the organization’s operating costs.
Last year, the organization missed out on its annual fundraiser and concession revenue due to COVID-19.
Outdoor sign advertisements also were reduced due to the economic downturn from low oil prices and COVID.
ABB is requesting aid to help with their general operating costs.
Shackelford Co. Rural Fire Department
The Shackelford County Rural Fire Department fights fires in the county and provides assistance to other counties when needed.
The department will use requested funds for upkeep on trucks and equipment, fuel and tires for fire apparatus and protective gear for the firefighters.
The department is requesting funds to help with operating costs.
Cub Mart
Cub Mart is a program at Nancy Smith Elementary School that is used as a reward system for all students at the end of each six weeks.
During each six weeks period, students are rewarded with tickets from teachers for a number of reasons such as good behavior, helping others, or completing tasks.
At the end of each six weeks, Cub Mart is open to the students where they may use their tickets to purchase prizes.
NSES is requesting funds for supplies for Cub Mart for student rewards.
The Feed Store
The Feed Store mission is to feed the youth of Albany both spiritually and physically, with a vision to introduce teens to Jesus and help them grow in their faith.
A number of opportunities are offered to students, specifically through Tuesday lunches for juniors and seniors, with additional opportunities during the week for both junior high and high school students.
The Feed Store is requesting funds to help with the operating costs associated with itsTuesday lunches.
Other Programs
Chelsey’s Project Diaper Ministry and Neighbors in Need also have requested funds to assist with their operating costs, but there are no details about their budgets.
Donation Details
The Albany Chest board traditionally waits to see how the money comes in before setting the final allocations.
The fundraising drive will officially 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.
