By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Just over $90,000 was collected by the Geneseo Community Chest in its 2023-2024 fiscal year, and $92,700 recently was distributed to various organizations which are:
-Lunchbox, Aisle of Flags, Geneseo Growth & Development; Ag in the Classroom (Farmer Bureau), Alternatives for the Older Adult, Inspire Continuing care, Freedom House, Geneseo Marriage & Family Counseling, Abilities Plus, Boy Scouts, Center for Youth & Family Services, Braveheart Henry County Advocacy, Geneseo Historical Museum, Sol’s Legacy, Henry County Youth Services, Rebuilding Together, Royal Family Kids’ Camp, Girl Scouts, Good Shepherd Foundation, Hillcrest Home and the Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter.
Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Geneseo Community Chest Board, expressed appreciation from the Community Chest board to the community for their support and said, “One of the many reasons that our family decided to move back to Geneseo was due to the amazing support, generosity, and true love for this town. We thank the community for a wonderful 2024 and look forward to funding more needs in 2025!"
The Henry County Humane Society, Geneseo Shelter, is among the organizations receiving contributions from the Geneseo Community Chest. In the photo are, from left, Taunya McGee, president of the Geneseo Community Chest board; Jamie DeSplinter, board member of the Henry County Humane Society; and Bethany Winkleman, vice president of the Community Chest board. In addition to McGee and Winkleman, other officers of the Community Chest board are Jackie DeSpain, treasurer; and Jenna Rushing, secretary. Photo by Claudia Loucks
SOME HISTORY OF THE GENESEO COMMUNITY CHEST AND HOW TO HELP:
The Geneseo Community Chest was incorporated in 1943 and each year it reaches out to financially aid non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life in the Geneseo area.
The 15-member board of directors of the Geneseo Community Chest each year obtains funds to help support non-profits in the Geneseo area.
When the local Community Chest was organized in 1943, there were nine board members whose task it was to solicit funds to aid charitable, philanthropic and character-building non-profit organizations in the community to benefit its citizens. In 1983, the organization secured 501 (c3) status ensuring that donations made to the organization would be tax deductible.
Since 1983, the board has increased to the current 15 members it has today, all volunteers giving of their time and talents.
Board members meet with organizations to review their needs and then solicit funds through a community-wide campaign.
Community Chest receives its donations from foundations, such as the Geneseo Foundation, the Miller Foundation, local businesses, and from many area citizens. The organization utilizes Birdies for Charity to maximize donations to help fund requests.
The Geneseo Community Chest annually solicits funds.
Donations are accepted throughout the year and information on how to contribute is available at the website: www.//geneseocommunitychest.org.