Albany Chest still $2,789 short of $42,000 goal

By Kathy Thomson

The 2019 Albany Chest annual campaign officially ended on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a total of $39,211 raised as of Monday, Dec. 30, according to treasurer Paige Adair.

Although some year-end gifts may arrive in the next week or two, the drive is still short of the 2019 goal of $42,000 by almost $3,000.

The board will meet on Wednesday, Jan.8 to finalize disbursement amounts for the 24 various charities that applied for funds.

“The Albany Chest is proud to serve a wide range of organizations and programs and each one of these plays an important role in our community,” said board chair Amy Kelly.

During the campaign, a brief look is taken at a few of the benefitting organizations in various issues of The Albany News in order to give prospective donors an idea of their activities.

First Love Daycare

First Love Daycare is an accredited five-day-a-week day care facility in Albany that operates out of the First Baptist Church building, according to director Joni Beaty. 

The classes are currently full, and there is a waiting list.

“First Love provides a Christian, nondenominational learning program for each of its children in a clean, attractive, and healthy environment,” said Beaty. “It provides school pickup, transportation to extracurricular activities, daily snacks, and a nutritious lunch. The cheerful atmosphere includes artwork by the children and learning materials appropriate for each grade level.”

Beaty added that the workers are trained to be alert to each child’s needs, and that enables the children to develop both mentally and physically.

Although the center would like things like new centers and classroom furniture, Beaty said that those “wish” items are not what she is asking the Chest to help fund. Instead First Love is just trying to fund their daily needs such as food, paper goods, and cleaning supplies.

First Love has requested $2,000 to help cover expenses for children and workers.

“Without additional financial aid, the center will have to cut back or raise prices,” said Beaty. “The ever-increasing prices of common necessities are causing financial stresses on the center.”

The organization has been in Albany for 24years, and the non-profit has benefitted from Chest support in the past.

Cub Mart

Nancy Smith Elementary School students are awarded points they can use at Cub Mart for good behavior, helping others, or completing tasks.

“The organization is 100 percent comprised of volunteers, with zero overhead expenses,” said superintendent Jonathan Scott. “All funds are spent directly to benefit every student from kindergarten to sixth grade. Cub Mart was designed to inspire students to excel in areas of academia and positive behavior.”

At the end of each six weeks period, students who have earned points from their teachers get to spend them for items such as DVDs, video games, electronic games, gift cards, or gift certificates to local stores or restaurants that have been donated or purchased with contributions.

The organization has requested $1,500 again this year.

Other funding for the non-profit comes from private donations and the Parent-Teacher Organization.

“Cub Mart is used as a reward system for all students at the end of each six weeks,” said NSES principal John Gallagher. 

Neighbors in Need

Brad McBee and Blanca Sanchez are two of the regular volunteers at Neighbors in Need (NIN), a local outreach ministry that has been around for eight years.

“NIN was born from Closet Angels,” said Closet Angels director Lori Reames. “It provides for local, non-clothing needs.”

NIN does not receive other funding, as is not currently registered as a non-profit, according to Reames.

NIN accepts furniture in good condition, working large appliances, household and baby items, toys, electronics, books, movies,  and electric heaters, and tries to connect the donated items with those most in need of the help. The items are offered to local needy families either for free, or for a small donation to help cover costs.

“NIN has helped so many in our community,” said Sanchez. “This ministry helps with heaters and air conditioners when needed. We also help with medical equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as with household items.”

NIN did not specify a dollar amount in its request for funding.

Although the fundraising drive is officially over, contributions to the Chest can still be given to Paige Adair at First National Bank or Jana Kitchens at First Financial Bank, or they can be mailed to Albany Chest, PO Box 2019, Albany TX 76430.