By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
The Geneseo Community Chest was incorporated in June of 1943, which makes the organization 80-plus years old, but according to President Bethany Winkleman, there are “no plans to retire!”
Pride in the Geneseo community is evident in the work of the Community Chest, which each year reaches out to financially aid charitable, philanthropic, and character-building non-profit organizations active in the community, benefiting the citizens of Geneseo and surrounding area.
The work of the 15-member board has quite a history due to the strong financial support of the citizens of Geneseo and the surrounding area.
In 1943 there were nine Community Chest board members whose task it was to solicit funds for the non-profits. In 1983 the organization secured 501 (c)(3) 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, and all are volunteers giving of their time and talents.
Board members meet with area organizations annually to review their needs and they then solicit funds through a community-wide campaign. Funds are normally distributed on a twice-yearly basis.
According to Winkleman, Community Chest receives its donations from foundations, such as the Geneseo Foundation and the Deere Foundation, participants of United Way pledge drives, local businesses by direct donation or by payroll deductions, and by many “caring” citizens.
“All of these donations are important, and although we do not always know our supporters, we are only able to carry on this important community function with their help,” she said, and added, “The Geneseo Community Chest annually solicits funds to aid charitable, philanthropic, and character-building non-profit organizations active in our community, benefiting our citizens. We take donations at any time of year. Please support this important function in our community.”
Geneseo Community Chest will receive funds from holding the cookout at Geneseo Fareway on Friday, May 23.
For information on how to donate, visit https://geneseocommunitychest.org/donate/ which lists way to donate:
-Venmo (@geneseocommunitychest)
-PayPal link on the website
-Birdies for Charity (Code #171)
-United Way Campaign
-Monthly Withdrawal
-Bequests
-Via check – address is PO Box 264, Geneseo, IL 61254