Chest campaign nears deadline

By Sam Waller

The Albany Chest enters the final week of 2022 still more than $18,000 short of its goal of $47,000.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 20, the fund stood at $28,608, an increase of only $1,185 from last week.

“Large contributions are great, but we also rely on a broad base of smaller donors,” said Chest board vice president Melinda Lucas. “It’s important that Albany citizens realize how far-reaching the Chest is and how many people, from infants to senior adults, are helped by these funds.”

With the official deadline only a week away, she urged all local residents to try to give something, even if it’s only a few dollars.

The Albany Chest helps meet the needs of two dozen local organizations. Applicants for funds range from early childhood education programs to senior citizens organizations.

“We don’t want to stall out at this point,” Lucas continued. “If we don’t get closer to our goal, we will have to make some hard decisions when it comes time to distribute the money next month.”

This week, the News spotlights the remainder of the organizations that are requesting assistance.

The fundraising drive will end on Dec. 31.

Contributions to the Chest can be given to tellers at First Financial Bank or First National Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 2019, Albany TX 76430.

Stepping Stones

Christian School

Stepping Stones Christian School has served the Albany community for more than 40 years. Started by Pat Tidwell, the school has provided hundreds of Albany children the early childhood education needed to give them a successful start in their school career.

Stepping Stones is seeking a contribution of $2,500 from the Albany Chest.

“Stepping Stones loses between $3,000 and $5,000 each year,” Stepping Stones director Ginny Ivy said. “We have recently become a 501(c)3 organization and ask for assistance in helping us close that gap. Stepping Stones is an important entity in Albany, and its reputation is stellar throughout the community.”

The Feed Store

The Feed Store provides for the youth of Albany both spiritually and physically. Its vision is to introduce teens to Jesus and help them grow in their faith.

“We accomplish this through a variety of outreach points, specifically our Tuesday lunches for junior and senior students and other opportunities during the week for all junior high and high school students,” Feed Store director Tisha Wilkins said.

The Feed Store is asking for $3,000 from the Albany Chest to help cover the costs of Tuesday lunches.

“We have allocated about $350 a week to feed the approximately 45 juniors and seniors who attend each Tuesday of the school year,” Wilkins said.

Senior Citizens

Activity Center

The Senior Citizens Activity Center serves community residents ages 55 and older, providing a place for seniors to be socially active.

“Meeting together is very important to preventing depression,” center president Annette Harris said. “Our seniors have paid their dues, and I feel the center is a way to give back to them.”

The center, which opened two years ago, offers bingo, Bible study, food, and fellowship, as well as educational programs from area agencies.