Chest still $20,000 short of goal
By Sam Waller
As the end of its fundraising campaign nears, the Albany Chest is still about $20,000 shy of its goal of $47,000 for 2022.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 13, collections stood at $27,423.
“We’re beginning to get concerned,” said Chest vice president Melinda Lucas. “The end of the year and our campaign is less than three weeks away.”
The Albany Chest helps meet the needs of two dozen local organizations. Applicants for funds range from first responders to community resources such as the local library.
Here is a look at some of the 24 applicants.
Shackelford County
Fire Department
The Shackelford County Rural Volunteer Fire Department has served the community for approximately 70 years, battling range and structure fires in the county as well as assisting the Albany VFD and other nearby departments when called upon.
The department is seeking $2,500 from the Chest.
“This money will be used for general operations and maintenance on the equipment,” Chief Brad Henry said. “We serve all of Shackelford County as well as the adjoining counties as needed.”
Shackelford 4-H
Shackelford County 4-H provides a wide variety of learning experiences for the youth of Shackelford County, helping them become responsible, productive citizens and leaders for their community and country.
The organization is seeking $1,500 from Albany Chest to defray costs of locally sponsored events as well as cover expenses of attending district and state 4-H activities. The funds would also be used to maintain and purchase equipment and supplies to support 4-H projects.
Among the programs the club offers are Livestock, Horse, Fashion, Food and Nutrition, Shooting Sports, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).
“We currently have 91 members enrolled with 10 of those being adult volunteers,” Shackelford County extension agent Kelsey Bell said. “We charge no membership fees at the county level and members are expected to fund their own projects throughout the year.”
County Library
The Shackelford County Library, operated by Albany Study Club, has provided educational and recreational activities for patrons of all ages since 1956.
The library is asking the Albany Chest for $3,500.
“These monies will enable the library to participate in the Big Country Digital Consortium that subscribes to Overdrive, a company that provides access to audio books, music and e-books for library patrons,” library chairman Janna Ledbetter said. “Our portion of the yearly subscription fee is $1,500. In addition, we plan to use Albany Chest Funding toward the cost of the Apollo circulation program from Biblionix. That cost is $1,100.”
Ledbetter said the remainder of the requested funds will be used to purchase books for children, youth and adults.
