Albany Chest board to distribute funds

By Melinda L. Lucas

Even though the $47,000 Albany Chest goal has still not been reached, board members plan to meet in the next two weeks to distribute funding to 25 different organizations.

As of Tuesday, Jan. 10, a total of $41,482 had been contributed to the 2022 campaign, which started in October.

“We will accept donations up to and even after our meeting,” said board president Jana Kitchens. “We are hopeful that we will be able to give all these applicants the funding that they need to operate.”

The Chest directors try to keep some funds in reserve for needs throughout the year or as a starting place for the next year’s campaign.

The actual amount of the 25 applications received in September was actually over $55,000, but the directors felt that $47,000 was a more attainable goal.

All of the requests came from non-profit and youth organizations, including Albany 7 on 7 Football, Albany Cub Scouts, Albany FCCLA, Albany Volunteer Fire Department, Albany Flag Football, Albany Youth Softball Association, Albany Little League, Albany’s Cause for Paws, Chelsey’s Project (diaper ministry), Closet Angels, and First Love Day Care.

Also the GED program, MMPC Mother’s Day Out, Nancy Smith Elementary Awards, Project Graduation, ResourceCare ­ASPIRE, ResourceCare Day Camp, ResourceCare Vittles by Vehicle, Rural Fire Department,Senior Citizens Activity Center,  Shackelford County 4-H, Shackelford County Library/Study Club, Stepping Stones Christian School, The Feed Store, and West Texas Rehab.

Contributions can be given to Robert Dacus at First National Bank or Jana Kitchens at First Financial Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 3263, Albany TX 76430.