Year-End Push

By Donnie A. Lucas

Despite picking up just over $10,000 in the last two weeks, the Albany Chest is still short almost $8,200 of the $47,000 goal set for the year.

While technically the fund drive ended on Dec. 31, it has been common for the last few years to not reach the goal until the first or second week in January.

As of Tuesday, a total of $38,807 had been collected, with $8,193 still outstanding in the 2022 campaign.

The Albany Chest provides financial support to two dozen local organizations, ranging from childhood educational and sports programs to organizations that serve senior citizens.

The Chest sent out reminder postcards last week reminding those who have not yet given that it is still not too late and asking if those who have already donated if they would like to give more in the way of year-end gifts.

Last year, the fundraising efforts faced a similar situation and the needed funds poured in to meet the goal.

Chest board president Jana Kitchens thanked all those who have donated.

“We are so appreciative for the support that has been received,” she said. “So much of what the various organizations who receive funding do wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors. We are close to the goal, but we really need to push forward.”

The Chest does have some discretionary funds that are held back for emergencies, but the hope is not to have to access those funds to supplement this year’s funding requests.

Hopefully, the goal can be met by extending the drive for another week. A meeting is set for Jan. 18 to finalize the fundraiser and distribute the money to the organizations.

“We want to make one final push to see the goal achieved if at all possible,” Kitchens said.