Chest collections way under target
By Sandy Morris
& Lynsi Musselman
Albany Chest directors continue to be very concerned about this year’s slow progress toward the $41,000 goal.
This week, the campaign saw only a $200 increase from last week’s ending total, bringing the current balance up to $7,670.
“By this time last year, we had collected more than half of the goal, which was the same as the 2020 goal of $41,000,” said board vice president Melinda Lucas. “More than ever, we need local residents to give what they can, even if that’s only a small amount.”
Chest directors are not surprised that donations are down in light of the efforcts of the coronavirus pandemic on county businesses and individuals.
However, the amount collected so far is not even 20 percent of what is needed to fulfill the requests of local organizations that benefit the entire community in some way.
“Even donations of $5, $10, and $20 can add up quickly if everyone who can contribute will chip in,” said Lucas.
Twenty-five different organizations submitted applications for this year’s funding, all of which were considered and approved for funding by the board.
“Every single one of these applicants is worthy, and every single one touches lives in Albany and Shackelford County,” said Lucas.
From now until the end of the campaign on Dec. 31, a brief look will be taken at several of the beneficiaries in order to give prospective donors an idea of their activities.
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones Christian School, started by the late Pat Tidwell, has been an integral part of the Albany community for over 40 years.
Stepping Stones director Ginny Ivy said the school has given hundreds of Albany children the early childhood education needed to give them a successful start in their school career.
“Stepping Stones’ reputation is stellar throughout the community,” Ivy reported.
She said the school is requesting funds due to losses of $3,000 to $5,000 each year.
“We recently have become a 501(c)3 organization, and we hope to receive funds from the Albany Chest to close the gap,” Ivy added.
Funding Drive
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.
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