$9,800 still needed for year-end Chest push
Only 11 days remain in the Albany Chest 2018 campaign and donations to the drive were still $9,733 short of the $42,000 goal as of Wednesday, Dec. 19.
The current total is $32,267, according to board treasurer Paige Adair at First National Bank.
Donations, which were stagnant over Thanksgiving picked up again in December. But at the current donation rate of $2,500 a week, the drive will not reach the targeted amount.
“But 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.”
In each issue during the last few weeks, a brief look has been taken at two or three of the 26 organizations that have requested assistance in order to give prospective donors an idea of their activities. Two more are included in this week’s paper, including one that is applying for the first time this year.
Shackelford 4-H
Currently there are 20 county youth and two adult volunteers involved in 4-H, according to Shackelford County extension agent Michaela Bradford.
“There was a vacancy in the county extension office for about a year following the retirement of long-time agent Rocky Vinson,” Bradford said. “I fully expect membership to return to previous years’ totals of around 100 members. We charge no membership fees, and the 4-H’ers are expected to fund their projects and educational activities throughout the year.”
Bradford has requesed $1,500 for the Shackelford County 4-H organization to help defray the costs of activities and events sponsored locally, as well as expenses associated with attending various district and state 4-H activities.
“These funds would also be used to help maintain and purchase equipment and supplies to support 4-H project areas,” she added.
Membership in the club is open to students from third through 12th grade.
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones Christian School has been in Albany for over 40 years, but has only been registered as a non-profit for one year. This is the first time the organization has requested funding from the Chest.
“This school has given hundreds of Albany children the early childhood education needed to give them a successful start in their school career,” said director Ginny Ivy. “Its reputation is stellar throughout the community.”
The Christian-based private preschool for three and four year old children loses between $3,000-$5,000 each year, according to Ivy.
“We have recently become a 501(c)3 organization and respectfully ask for consideration in helping us close that gap,” said Ivy. “Stepping Stones is an important entity in Albany, and we appreciate any amount the Albany Chest could give.”
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.
