Albany Chest surpasses fundraising goal
By Melinda L. Lucas
With the Albany Chest goal now over the top, members of the board of directors originally planned to meet Wednesday, Jan. 8, to distribute funds collected during the 2024 campaign.
However, with the weather forecast uncertain, the decision was made on Monday to postpone.
According to board president Jana Kitchens, the directors are scheduled to meet at the Feed Store on Jan. 15.
Goal Exceeded
Although the request total from the 24 applicants was well over $50,000, the 2024 goal was set back in October at a more reasonable $48,000. As of press time this week, however, collections had gone way over the goal with a tally of $53,311, according to Chest treasurer Kalico Leech.
“This is amazing,” Kitchens said. “But I am almost always amazed at the response of Albany and Shackelford County citizens.”
She added that especially in light of the current economy, bringing in $5,000-plus more than budgeted was a great problem to have.
“We will have to decide exactly how we are going to divide up the surplus, but we will enjoy doing that,” Kitchens said. “It will be great not to have to trim and reduce. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed.”
The Jan. 15 meeting is set to begin at 5:00 p.m., and directors hope to distribute checks to the organizations during the first week of February.
Two Dozen to Benefit
The 24 requests that were approved by the board last fall include the Albany Academic Booster Club, Albany Cub Scouts, Albany Volunteer Fire Department, Albany FCCLA, Albany FFA, Albany Girls Softball Association, Albany Little League, Albany PTO, Albany’s Cause for Paws, Closet Angels, and First Love Day Care.
Also the GED program, MMPC Mother’s Day Out, Nancy Smith Elementary Awards, The Local Exchange, Project Graduation, ResourceCare Day Camp, ResourceCare Vittles by Vehicle, Rural Fire Department, Senior Citizens Activity Center, Shackelford County 4-H, Shackelford County -Library/Study Club, The Feed Store, and West Texas Rehab.
In addition, a recent request letter was received from the Albany Band Boosters, who are working to fund the Albany High School band’s spring trip to Dallas.
The Albany Chest fundraising drive officially ended on Dec. 31, but donations are accepted throughout the year in order to be able to give for unexpected needs, as well as be ahead of the game for the 2025 fundraising campaign.
Contributions can be given to Robert Dacus at Clear Fork Bank or Jana Kitchens at First Financial Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 3263, Albany TX 76430.
