Albany Chest drive underway

By Sam Waller

The Albany Chest has a fundraising goal of $47,000 for 2022 to help meet the needs of two dozen local organizations.

Applicants for funds range from youth sports leagues to senior citizens groups.

Here are a look at some of the applicants.

Albany 7-on-7

Albany 7-on-7 prepares teens from sixth grade through high school for competitive football, according to organizer Anthony Ceder.

The group is seeking $1,000 to help cover its operating budget for the coming year.

“Albany 7-on-7 prides itself on developing kids as well as strengthening the abilities of the upperclassmen,” Ceder said. “Any assistance received from the Albany Chest will go to help pay tournament fees and purchase uniforms and equipment for the players.”

Cub Scout Pack 255

The local Cub Scout pack is another organization that receives funding from the Albany Chest.

The pack, which currently has 17 scouts and five adult leaders, is seeking $2,500.

“This will pay for utilities, insurance, and supplies for our Scout building,” Teri Lucas said. “We pay for adult registration, leadership literature and training, awards the boys and girls earn, and activities such as the Pinewood Derby, Blue and Gold Banquet, and Christmas party.”

Lucas said the Pack also helps cover costs for boys and girls who want to be in Scouts but whose family is unable to pay.

This year, Lucas said, there is no active Scout Troop, leaving the Cub Scout Pack to cover all costs for the Scout building.

Albany FCCLA

Albany High School reestablished its FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) chapter in the fall of 2021. Through FCCLA, students have the opportunity to attend student-led conferences and compete in regional, state, and national competitions.

In order to participate, students must wear official FCCLA attire consisting of a red blazer bearing an FCCLA patch. Blazers cost $75 each, and the local chapter is looking to purchase eight because of increased membership, with a request of $600.